Two of the three companies behind the controversial Port Townsend Plaza paid parking system have made steps toward compliance with city licensing rules, while the third company is disputing the requirement.

Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS) has successfully obtained a city of Port Townsend business license endorsement, according to finance director Jodi Adams. Hall Equities has applied for endorsement through the state Department of Revenue, but its application requires review by the city’s Planning and Community Development department. With many new staff, that review may take longer than the usual 10 days, Adams said. HONK Mobile, meanwhile, is disputing the city’s requirement to obtain a business license endorsement, citing guidance from the state Department of Revenue website.

She previously noted that it can be difficult to reach the right department within a large business and said the city had been pursuing additional contact information for HONK Mobile. But last week, Adams said HONK is formally disputing the requirement for a city license endorsement.

Because of that dispute, the case has been referred to the city attorney for review rather than moving directly to code compliance.

Adams said enforcement cases are typically prioritized alongside other workloads and, if pursued, usually begin with a voluntary compliance letter.

Most recently, The Leader reported that none of the three companies had obtained or filed for the required endorsement to operate in Port Townsend. Each company held an active Washington state business license but still required city-level approval.

The licensing issue came to light after many shoppers shared frustrations around $102 penalties under a system that many have described as confusing. Tenants of the building have reported receiving consistent complaints from customers who believe they were unfairly ticketed.

Licensing requirements are not just bureaucratic paperwork to file; they are a measure to ensure businesses follow local laws. With a city endorsement on a state license, the city can track and enforce compliance with local code.
At the moment, PRRS is the only company of the three to obtain the required endorsement. Hall Equities’ application is awaiting departmental review, which may take longer than normal. HONK Mobile, meanwhile, is disputing the requirement, and the matter has been referred to the city attorney.
Adams said the city’s preference is always for a voluntary resolution before enforcing penalties.

With one company now compliant, another pending review, and a third in dispute, the Port Townsend parking system remains under the spotlight as the city tries to bring all operators at the plaza into compliance with local requirements.

Alex Frick is a Report for America corps member who writes about rural peninsula communities. Please consider a tax-deductible gift of any amount to help cover his work for The Leader. Visit https://www.ptleader.com/donation-portal-preview/index.html