DEPARTMENT: Center City Development and Operations Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Lori Houston
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
Continuing the Residential Only Parking Permit (RPP) Program and continuing the Residential Parking Permit Zone for portions of Arsenal Street and City Street.
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the following actions associated with residential on-street parking:
A. Authorizing the continued application and enforcement of Article XII, Chapter 19, of the City Code of San Antonio regarding "Resident Only Parking Permits" and amending section 19-440 to clarify the de-designation process.
B. Authorizing the continuation of a residential permit parking zone on portions of Arsenal Street and City Street in Council District 1.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On December 5, 2013, City Council approved the closure, vacation and abandonment of an improved portion of S. Main Street between E. Arsenal Street and E. Cesar Chavez Boulevard in conjunction with the planned expansion of the H-E-B headquarters. The expansion includes an addition of a 10,000 square foot grocery store and construction of public improvements for traffic mitigation. As part of these improvements, a bicycle lane was added to Arsenal Street between the San Antonio River and S. Flores Street and on-street parking on the north side of the street was eliminated. Residents along the south side of Arsenal Street were concerned about the potential impact of this reduction in on-street parking and the amount of commuter parking in the area. After researching best practices staff proposed a pilot Resident Only Parking Permit (RPP) Program to mitigate potential parking problems along Arsenal Street and City Street in the vicinity of the planned improvements (the "Zone"). On April 17, 2014, City Council approved the pilot program and Zone for a review period that expires on May 1, 2015. Upon the completion of the review period, the Center City Development & Operations Department was to return to City Council and recommend to discontinue or to expand the program based on evaluation of cost and effectiveness.
The pilot program and Zone have been successful in providing on-street parking for residents. In the Zone, a total of 94 permits have been issued and 77 citations issued to violators within the first year of implementation. There are not any additional costs or resources associated with this program because of its close proximity to the central business district. Enforcement Officers are able to drive through the area several times a day and respond on an as needed basis. There are more changes to come within the next year as the downtown grocery store is scheduled to open by the fall of 2015 and the expansion of H-E-B headquarters continues. Based on the additional changes, the pilot Zone should be continued as a permanent zone. City staff will review the program on an annual basis with the residents to review the program and decide if it should be discontinued, remain the same, or expanded. If the program is to continue, renewal permits will be required on an annual basis. If the program is to be discontinued, the residents could follow the process of de-designation currently being recommended. A resident or residents may petition for de-designation of a resident-only permit parking zone at any time by submitting a petition to the Parking Official showing at least 60% of the properties, through owner signature, in the resident-only permit parking zone support de-designation.
Based on positive feedback from residents in the area, the pilot Zone should be continued as a permanent zone. City Staff will review the Zone on an annual basis with the residents. Renewal permits will be required on an annual basis as long as the Zone remains in effect.
The Zone will continue to operate on weekdays from 7 am to 7 pm. Residents will have the opportunity to purchase up to four permits per address annually for parking their cars during the effective hours of the Zone. Permits will be $10.00 each and one day guest passes can also be purchased for $1.00 each.
This ordinance will also amend Section 19-440 to clarify the de-designation process which will be followed if a zone is to be discontinued. A resident or residents may petition for de-designation of a resident-only permit parking zone at any time by submitting a petition to the Parking Official showing at least 60% of the properties, through owner signature, in the resident-only permit parking zone support de-designation.
The Center City Development and Operations Department continues to receive requests for establishing similar zones in other areas. Any new petitions received will be reviewed by staff for qualification of the program. Qualifying zones will be brought to City Council for approval.
Due to the short period between Council consideration and the expiration of the pilot program and Zone (May 1st), staff recommends the RPP program and Zone continuations are effective immediately in order to avoid any gaps in service for running the program.
ISSUE:
This action authorizes the continued application and enforcement of Article XII, Chapter 19, of the City Code of San Antonio regarding "Resident Only Parking Permits" and amending section 19-440 to clarify the de-designation process. The action also authorizes the continuation of a residential permit parking zone on portions of Arsenal Street and City Street in Council District 1.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council has the option to approve the continued application and enforcement of the "Resident Only Parking Permit" program with modifications and continue the residential permit parking zone on Arsenal Street and City Street with modifications, or to alter the Zone area. City Council could also postpone or deny the extension. Postponement or failure to approve the proposed ordinance would allow the on-street parking in the areas to remain open to the public.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City will charge $10.00 per parking permit with a maximum of up to 4 permits for addresses within the RPP Zone boundaries. These funds will be deposited into the Parking Fund but are not anticipated to completely cover the costs of the program's enforcement.
The Parking Fund will absorb any additional costs of implementing the program and this data will be utilized in determining potential expansion into other zones.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorizing the continued application and enforcement of Article XII, Chapter 19, of the City Code of San Antonio regarding "Resident Only Parking Permits" and amending section 19-440 to clarify the de-designation process. Staff also recommends the continuation of the residential permit parking zone on portions of Arsenal Street and City Street. Both ordinances are recommended to be effective immediately.