The Ames Police
Department has one full-time Parking Officer and nine part-time
Community Safety Officers. They are responsible for all of the
parking meter and metered lot enforcement. They also write the
majority of the illegal parking citations. The CSO's are trained so
they can assist the police officers in an emergency situation as
support staff.
There are many
different parking ordinances applying to City streets. Parking is
covered in Chapter 18 of the City Code. A copy of the Code may be
found in the City Library or in most City offices. www.cityofames.org/attorneyweb/codeTOC.htm
Parking enforcement officers utilize a computerized system using hand held computers. The parking violation notification currently is a computer generated slip of paper along with a self-addressed envelope. The violation may be paid in person, or mailed, to the City Of Ames Cashier's Office. There are also drop boxes at the Ames City Hall or in the 200 block of Welch Avenue where the violation notice and fine may be deposited. The data pertaining to each ticket written is retained in the hand held device and then downloaded into the City computer system each night .
Parking fines are set by state law and local ordinance. The City of Ames parking fine for overtime parking is $5 if paid within seven days; after seven days, the fine increases to $10. The illegal parking fine is $10, and if not paid within 7 days, it increases to $15. The fine for illegally parking in a handicapped stall is $100. If still unpaid, any ticket may be filed with the court with resulting non-waivable court costs and the possible issuance of a warrant. Unpaid tickets may also be sent to a collection agency with an additional $5 fee for each ticket added. You may pay City of Ames parking fines on-line at www.amesparking.com. The State of Iowa may also refuse to allow registration of a vehicle if you have outstanding parking violations.
Parking tickets may be appealed through the office of the Chief of Police; if you disagree with the decision made there, the ticket may be appealed through the court system. If you have questions or comments, call us at the Police Desk (515) 239-5133 or Administration (515) 239-5130 or e-mail us at:
jschmitt@city.ames.ia.us or ccychosz@city.ames.ia.us
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