The city of Brookings has designated reserved parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging, and violators of the new ordinance are subject to fines and towing effective Nov. 1.

In accordance with Brookings City Ordinance 22-033, it is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing a vehicle in or upon a parking space designated for electric vehicles unless the vehicle is actively being charged using an electric vehicle charger. The ordinance applies only to public EV charging station spaces within the city’s public parking lots. The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance at its Oct. 25 meeting.

Offenders of the ordinance are subject to fine and/or removal of their vehicle. Fines for violating the new ordinance are:

$30.00 if paid within 72 hours
$35.00 if paid after 72 hours
If a court appearance is required as a result of nonpayment within 72 hours, additional court costs of $72.50, for a total of $107.50 will be passed along to the offender.

In addition, vehicles parked unlawfully will be subject to towing.  
There are now six EV charging spots available to the public near the Downtown Business District. Four spots are in the parking lost west of the Brookings Activity Center on Fifth Avenue. Two spots are in the south parking lot of the City & County Government Center on Third Street. The central downtown location is within walking distance of many of the City’s eating and drinking establishments, shops, and other recreational and historic destinations.