Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Cars are seen in Lot 2, one of the Houghton lots at which parking prices will rise starting July 1. The increases are being done to keep pace with the cost of maintenance and repair of the lots.

HOUGHTON — Parking permit fees in Houghton are going up.

The Houghton City Coucnil Wednesday approved increases to daytime, night and 24-hour parking in city lots. The increases will go into effect July 1.

Rates went up between $5 to $10 dollars a month, Clerk Ann Vollrath said. The prices were last increased in 2012.

“Ultimately, this is keeping up with the cost of cleaning and fixing the parking lots,” Waara said.

Councilor Buck Foltz said the incremental increases were a good idea.

“It’s better to raise it a little at a time than wait and hitting everybody with a big one at a later time,” he said.

The council also set a public hearing for June 13 on an ordinance amending fines for parking violations.

The new parking permit fees are:

• Daytime parking permits (lots 1, 3 and 9): One day (up to seven per month), $2; one month, $25; three months, $55; six months, $105; nine months, $145; one year, $190.

• Daytime parking permits (Lots 2 and 6): One day (up to seven per month), $2; one month, $30; three months, $70; six months, $135; nine months, $200; one year, $260.

• Daytime parking permits (Lots 4 and 5): One day (up to seven per month), $2; one month, $40; three months, $70; six months, $155; nine months, $200; one year, $280.

• 24-hour permits: One day (up to seven per month), $3; one month, $70; two months, $125; three months, $180; four months, $230; five months, $285; six months, $310.

• Night-only permits: One month, $55; three months, $130; six months, $205.

• Free daytime lots (11, 12, 13, 14 and 18)

The proposed new fines for violations are:

• $150: parking in a handicap zone.

• $50: blocking an emergency exit, parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

• $35: parked between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. (Nov. 1-April 30).

• $25: Outside meter zone, too far from curb, overtime parking, prohibited zone (posted or yellow curb), obstructing traffic, on lawn or side yard, loading zone, bus stop or taxi stand, in alley, parked over 48 hours, private property, on sidewalk, in front of drive, within intersection, within 15 feet of intersection, on crosswalk, double parking, beside street excavation when traffic obstructed, in front of theatre, blocking walkway, expired meter.

• $10: overtime (central business district).

The fines double if not paid within 10 days.