OLD ORCHARD BEACH  — A new town ordinance restricts the town hall parking lots resident permit parking during non-business hours.

In the summer time, parking in downtown is at a premium. Street parking in the downtown is metered from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and town and private lots charge for parking as well.

The town council has had many discussions in recent years regarding regulating parking at the Town Hall lots. The lots are located in the downtown and sometimes are used by those who don’t want to pay to park.

Last week, the town council unanimously approved new restrictions for the Town Hall parking lot.

Town ordinance previously restricted the two parking lots at town hall to town business and permit parking Monday through Friday, but did not specify any rules for parking at town hall during the weekend.

Under the new regulations, the town hall parking lot is reserved to town business and permit parking during business hours, and by permit parking only after hours and on weekends. Police can also reserve space for meetings.

Parking restrictions during business hours are in effect year-round, while rules for parking after hours and on the weekends are in effect from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Parking permits are available at the town clerk’s office in town hall. Resident can purchase a $50 seasonal parking permit good at town lots at Milliken Street and Veterans Memorial Park during the day and evening, as well as the Town Hall parking lot outside of business and meeting hours. Residents can also opt to purchase a $75 seasonal permit that allows them to park not only at town parking lots but at metered parking downtown as well.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].