The Geneva Police Department has begun implementing a new parking fine structure that was approved by the City Council June 20. However, the new fines for people who exceed the posted time limit will not be enforced until after the conclusion of the Swedish Days festival Sunday, June 26.
In March, the City Council directed City staff to research Geneva parking fines with surrounding and comparable communities. The survey indicated Geneva’s parking fines were substantially lower than its municipal neighbors. The new ordinance strikes a balance to maintain a business-friendly approach to shoppers and downtown visitors while also bringing Geneva more in line with the local area.
The following chart represents the old parking fine system and the recently approved changes:
Old Fines - Overtime Parking (exceeding posted time limit)
1st offense Warning
2-3 offenses $2
4-9 offenses $10
10-14 offenses $15
15 or more $25
New Fines - Overtime Parking
First 2 offenses Warning
3rd offense $5
4-5 offenses $10
6-10 offenses $20
11-15 offenses $25
16 or more $40
Other Parking Fines (Old to New)
Improper Parking $10 to $25
Snow Emergency Parking $35 (unchanged)
Snow Ban Secondary Streets $30 (unchanged)
Special Parking Privilege $250 (unchanged)
Prohibited Parking $10 to $25
Additionally, administrative fees for unpaid parking tickets throughout various timeframes have increased. Previously, unpaid parking tickets were assessed a flat $10 administrative fee for all parking violations that remained unpaid after 10 days. Now the administrative fee structure will be:
Overtime
$5 after 15 days
$10 after 30 days (2 late payments = $15 total)
$25 after 45 days (3 late payments = $40)
Non-Overtime
$25 after 15 days
$50 after 30 days (2 late payments = $75 total)
$50 after 45 days (3 late payments = $125)
All parking tickets that remain unpaid after 90 days will be turned over to a collection agency or a warrant (summons) for arrest will be issued to the violator.
Lastly, quarterly downtown parking permit fees for Geneva residents will remain $100, but non-residents will now be charged $125.
For more information about the parking fines, call the Geneva Police Department at 630-232-4736. Parking maps and information can be found on the City’s website at the link below.