TITLE
Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 28 Traffic, Article V. Stopping, Standing and Parking, Sec. 28-132 Parking in residential areas.
SUMMARY
DATE: December 11, 2018
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Charles Kimble, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Parking Ordinance Amendment
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On April 10, 2018, the City Council voted to update the parking ordinance under Section 28-132, subsection b, related to large truck parking adjacent to residential areas to prohibit parking within 500 feet of residential areas after review by the Killeen Police Department, in concert with the Planning Department and the Legal Department. This ordinance specifically references 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 property zoned or used for residential purposes.
The current city ordinance states it is unlawful to park a vehicle of this type within 500 feet of 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, in addition to alleviate concerns of citizens in the area, it is recommended that the ordinance be updated to reflect prohibited parking by a vehicle over one (1) ton within a distance of 600 feet of a residential area. Any areas with numerous violations may have no parking signs installed as recommended by the Public Works Department.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Take no action and allow the ordinance to remain unchanged.
2. Expand the distance between residential areas and parking of large commercial vehicles to 600 feet to allow a buffer for noise abatement and to increase driving safety for nearby residents.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends the second alternative, which allows for 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:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
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 600 feet of property zoned or used for residential purposes.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Planning Department
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Map