BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As Buffalo faces a $50 million budget deficit, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon has proposed increasing parking fines.
The proposal, sponsored by Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski in his role as finance chair, would raise fines for various parking violations across the city.
Proposed Parking Fine Increases
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes under the proposed ordinance amendment:
- Overtime parking violations, parking beyond the time limit, and other meter violations
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking prohibited beyond the time limit in non-metered spaces
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Alternate-side parking violations
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking on bus routes during certain hours
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking on private property without permission
Current fine: $60
Proposed fine: $75 - Parking in unpaved areas in front/side yards
Current fine: $60
Proposed fine: $75 - Parking in a load zone
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking more than 12 inches from the curb
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking on bridges, elevated structures, or subway approaches
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking in front of a public or private driveway
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Expired certificate of inspection or registration
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking in a handicapped space
Current fine: $80
Proposed fine: $125 - Double parking
Current fine: $40
Proposed fine: $50 - Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Current fine: $60
Proposed fine: $75
Late Payment Penalties
- After 30 days, fines increase by up to $45 depending on the violation
- $40 fines → $95
- $60 fines → $130
- $125 fines → $200
Why the Increase?
Nowakowski says the city's parking department conducted an analysis that found Buffalo’s parking fines are lower than those in comparable cities. He said that raising fines is necessary to keep the department financially sustainable.
"For the parking [department] to be able to enforce its rules, it's not even breaking even, it's going under," Nowakowski said. "Right now, this is to readjust these fines to be able to pay for parking enforcement, and so that their departments are more sustainable."
Not everyone supports the proposed changes. Earlier this month, the founder of Fattey Beer Company took to social media to complain about aggressive ticketing, arguing it was discouraging business downtown.
Other residents agreed, with one saying, "Way too many tickets are being given out. They need to have more options that are accessible."
Nowakowski acknowledges that the decision is unpopular but says it is necessary.
"This is not fun. Nobody wants to do this. Nobody wants to have their name attached to it," he said. "But the fact is...we're elected to make hard decisions."
Buffalo’s Common Council will discuss the proposal at its next finance committee meeting before a full vote next month. If approved, the new fines will take effect on July 1, 2025.
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