ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

                                                        Date:  June 6, 1996
                                                   Dept. File No.: PARKCHAR

   TO:       Vancouver City Council

   FROM:     Director, Permits & Licenses Department

   SUBJECT:  Parking Lot Charges


   GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

        The General Manager of Community Services submits the

        following report for Council's INFORMATION.

   COUNCIL POLICY

   There is no applicable Council Policy.

   PURPOSE

   The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the current by-law
   provisions related to the operation of parking lots and adherence to
   posted parking charges.

   BACKGROUND

   On April 23, 1996, Council resolved that staff report back on the
   current by-law provisions related to the operations of parking lots and
   the issue of adherence to the posted charges in relation to fair
   business practices.

   DISCUSSION


   Auto parking lots are currently regulated by Section 10.5 of the License
   By-law.  These regulations set out a number of criteria pertaining to
   signage and removal of a vehicle from a site but do not regulate parking
   fees.  Therefore, parking lot operators may alter these fee charges
   during special events.  Staff note that when fees do change for an
   event, there is normally a sign located at the entrance advising
   potential customers of the parking fee for that evening.  Some may
   choose to pay this fee and others will  park elsewhere.

   CONCLUSION

   Staff believe that because parking operators are an established
   business, it is appropriate that the City remain neutral and allow fees
   to be determined by public demand and willingness to pay as we do for
   any other business. 

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