TITLE
Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 28 Traffic, Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking, Sec. 28-132 Parking in residential areas.
SUMMARY
DATE: April 3, 2018
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Charles F. Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Parking Ordinance
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Killeen Police Department, in concert with the Planning Department and the Legal Department, has reviewed the current parking ordinance, under Section 28-132, subsection (b) as it pertains to the parking of vehicles exceeding the capacity of one (1) ton, including, but not limited to, truck tractors, on a street in the vicinity of residential property.
The current city ordinance states it is unlawful to park a vehicle of this type adjacent to property zoned or used for residential purposes. When large commercial vehicles park near residential property, it can cause difficulty for neighborhood drivers to see around the large vehicles. The motoring public may also have to drive left of center to travel around a large vehicle parked on the roadway. Additionally, if the vehicle is a tractor with a refrigerated trailer, the vehicle can become a noise nuisance when parked near residential property.
Upon review of the current ordinance and in consideration of public safety and public nuisance abatement, it is recommended that the ordinance be updated to reflect prohibited parking by a vehicle over one (1) ton within a distance of 500 feet of a residential area.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Expand the distance between residential areas and parking of large commercial vehicles to 500 feet to allow a buffer for noise abatement and to increase driving safety for nearby residents.
2. Expand the distance between residential areas and parking of large commercial vehicles to 1,000 feet to allow a buffer for noise abatement and to increase driving safety for nearby residents.
3. Allow the ordinance to remain unchanged.
Staff recommends the first alternative, which is a reasonable amendment allowing for commercial parking, in addition to driving safety and noise abatement for residents.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The new ordinance is a minor amendment and conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this ordinance update.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council approve the amendment to City Ordinance 28-132, making it unlawful for any person to park any vehicle having a capacity of more than one (1) ton, including, but not limited to, truck tractors, on a street within 500 feet of property zoned or used for residential purposes.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Planning Department
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance