The San Diego City Council on Monday afternoon took a key step toward charging for parking at the San Diego Zoo .

The council passed an amendment to the zoo's lease that allows the establishment to charge for parking at the so-called "zoo lot," in addition to setting different rates for different kinds of parkers. Under its current lease, the zoo cannot charge varying rates for its members, city of San Diego residents, seniors or military members.

"I very, very much want us to prioritize residents when it comes to discounts, and that has to take precedence over tourists, and, quite frankly, residents of the county who live outside of the city," Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said.

Many community members say they don't like the idea, but the city expects to start charging in about a mon

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