More than 100 parking lots, garages issued warnings by Metro Codes
Parking locations accused of lacking proper signage explaining fees.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The owners of more than 100 parking lots and garages in Nashville have received violation notifications by the Metro Codes Department, warning the owners that they have failed to properly display costs and fees on signage, WSMV4 Investigates has learned.
The owners of the parking locations are being told that the QR codes, used by several companies to reveal pricing and fees, are not adequate.
The warnings come following a series of WSMV4 Investigations detailing frustrated customers of the parking company Metropolis who were shocked by surprise fees when they were unable to navigate APPs or access QR codes, resulting in fees that can cost seven times the amount of parking.
Additional reporting found complaints from drivers, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell, of being billed for parking in lots that they had not entered.
The violation letters do not detail which company operates specific locations, but a review of the sites by WSMV4 Investigates found multiple locations owned by Metropolis.
Wednesday morning, metro codes invited parking lot owners, their attorneys and lobbyists to attend a meeting with downtown councilman Jacob Kupin to discuss the violation letters.
According to an email, a representative from Metropolis indicated they would not be attending.
Kupin said he wanted to work with the parking companies to find ways to inform drivers about costs before they enter.
“My end goal is that people can understand what they’re signing up for,” Kupin said.
Tim Wilson, executive chairman of the Parking Management Company, said while he welcomes a collaborative effort to inform drivers of costs, posting signs with fees will be difficult because of fluctuating prices that can change given the day of the week.
“We’d love to be able to put the rates on the signs, but it’s just not feasible,” Wilson said.
Bill Herbert, Metro Codes director, explained that the violation warnings are on hold for now, as Metro legal is reviewing recently passed state legislation that also requires parking rates be available online and “digitally” at the parking location.
Herbert said before Metro Codes can continue enforcing the signage ordinance, they need clarity as to what the state requires.
WSMV4 Investigates will continue to provide updates on what the city will require for parking lots and garages.
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