BIDDEFORD — It’s summer. It’s hot. And for many that means a day at the beach. But before you go make sure your prepared, with sunscreen, towels, snacks for the little ones, and in some communities you will need a beach permit in order to park you car.

If you are planning a trip to Biddeford beaches, there have been some changes with the permit system, which in some instances make it easier than ever to get that permit.

City Clerk Carmen Morris said some of the changes have been confusing to some people so she took the opportunity on Tuesday to explain what’s different to the City Council and to those at home who were watching the televised meeting.

“Nothing’s changed as far as prices,” Morris said, although that will be different starting Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day and the unofficial end of the summer season. Permits are required only from June 15 through Labor Day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For those going to the beach for just a day or up to a week the process is simpler than ever, Morris said. The three parking lots where permits are needed are at Gil Boucher Park at Biddeford Pool, Fortune’s Rocks and Middle Beach.

No longer does someone seeking a temporary permit need to make a trip to City Hall to purchase a permit from the City Clerk’s Office before they head for fun in the sun. Instead, Morris said, they “can go right to the beach and go to the kiosk.”

Just like city-owned lots in the downtown, kiosks have been installed at city-owned lots at the beach.

“It’s a great advantage,” Morris said.

In addition, for the first time non-residents can buy season passes online at the Biddeford website. To do so, visit the website www.biddefordmaine.org, go to the How Do I link at the top of the homepage, go to Pay My on the drop down menu, choose Parking Ticket or Parking Permit, then click on Pay For Parking Permit On-Line and choose 2019 Beach Non-Resident SEASON.

Residents still need to purchase permits at the City Clerk’s Office as they need to show proof of residency, which requires proof that their vehicle(s) is registered in Biddeford, Maine.

While permits don’t need to be displayed, “it’s easier if you display a permit” for those who have them, Morris said. There is parking enforcement at the three lots that permits are required at and if a permit isn’t display the enforcer must look up the vehicle’s license plate to ensure a permit has been purchased for it.

In addition to explaining changes for the permit system for this season, on Tuesday, the City Council also approved increasing beach parking permit prices, which will take effect next year.

Biddeford season beach parking permit prices for residents will increase from $25 to $28 for the first vehicle, $15 per additional vehicle registered at the same address, and $15 for residents 65 and older, payable to the City Clerk. For non-residents, increases are: from $125 to $153 for a season permit; from $65 to $79 for a seven-day permit; from $40 to $46 for a three-day permit; and from $20 to $22 for a one-day permit. The seven-day and three-day permits are valid for consecutive days only, and are not transferable from one vehicle to another.

Not all favored the increase, which passed in a 4-3 vote. Councilors Marc Lessard, John McCurry and Michael Ready opposed the order, Councilors Norman Belanger and Amy Clearwater were absent.

“We’re pricing ourselves out of where other communities are,” Ready said.

He said he had “no problem” charging more for non-resident permits.

“We have premium beaches, they’re paying premium prices,” Ready said.

However, he said, the city should look at what other communities are charging for resident prices “and get more in line with what’s happening there.”

In Kennebunk, beach passes, which are required from June 15 to Sept. 15 and are required to park at Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach and Mother’s Beach, are free for the first vehicle for a resident, $5 for a second vehicle and $10 for a third vehicle, which is the limit. Non-residents pay $25 for a day, $100 for a week and $200 for the season. Residents must purchase passes at the Town Clerk’s Office in Kennebunk Town Hall. Visitors can purchase permits at the Town Clerk’s Office, at kiosks along Beach Avenue or via the PassPortParking mobile app.

In Saco, residents only can purchase beach passes for the Camp Ellis parking lot for $10 per vehicle at the Finance Department in Saco City Hall. Residents 62 and older and disabled veterans can receive a complimentary permit.

In Kennebunkport, taxpayer permits for Goose Rocks Beach, the only beach with town-owned parking, are $5 per permit with no limit on the number of permits. Non-taxpayer permits are $25 for one day, $100 for a week and $200 for the season which begins Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day. Permits are needed to park between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and may purchased at Kennebunkport Town Hall or the police station.

There are lots of parking options in Old Orchard Beach but to park at the Milliken Street and Memorial Park municipal lots and the Town Hall lot after Town Hall hours it’s $50 for residents, $75 to include metered parking and pay stations, for up to two vehicles. Non-residents can only purchase permits to park in the Milliken Street lot, 300 are available for $150; 11 are available for $300, which also includes overnight parking. Permits must be purchased at the Old Orchard Beach Town Hall in the Town Clerk’s Office. Permits are needed between Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

— Managing Editor Dina Mendros can be contacted at 780-9014 or dmendros@journaltribune.com