NEWPORT — City officials confirmed this week that a newly approved municipal parking policy will allow tourists to park in the driveways of residents who are behind on their property taxes, a move aimed at easing chronic summer congestion.
The program will take effect May 1, 2026, just ahead of peak tourist season.
“This is about efficiency,” said one official. “We have hundreds of driveways sitting empty all day while visitors circle the same blocks for hours.”
Under the ordinance, residential properties 90 days or more delinquent on property taxes will be automatically enrolled in a city-managed parking app. Driveways will be priced dynamically based on demand, location, and walkability, with higher rates applied near downtown, the beach, and anywhere close to fried seafood.
Tourists will receive a digital permit authorizing driveway use. Homeowners will receive monthly statements detailing usage at their address, along with any complaints submitted by visitors.
Instead of direct payments, homeowners will receive credits toward their outstanding tax balance for each vehicle parked, calculated using what the ordinance calls a “competitive market rate.”
Town Parking Czar Hugh Maxwell Ruffulio said the program allows residents to “participate in the lucrative Newport parking business, involuntarily.”
“This lets people contribute value without coming up with cash,” Ruffulio added. “Who knows, they might even make some new friends.”
Parking enforcement officers will oversee compliance. Residents attempting to block access with cones, trash barrels, ropes, or lawn furniture may face fines and imprisonment.
For properties 180 days or more delinquent, the policy also requires residents to provide public restroom access during daytime hours. Qualifying homes must offer a ground-floor bathroom with running water, soap, toilet paper, and reading material. Additional amenities are encouraged but not required.
The policy will undergo a formal review after its initial five-year implementation period.