DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
Disposition: Right-of-Way encroachment permit for a sign over Roy Smith Street
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing a right-of-way encroachment permit for the installation of a sign over and within Roy Smith Street Public Right of Way between Avenue A and the San Antonio River, in Council District 1, as requested by River North Apartments, Ltd., for a fee of $500.00; and waiving applicable sections of Chapter 28 of the City Code.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
River North Apartments Ltd., Petitioner, is requesting a right-of-way encroachment permit (10-year term) for the installation and maintenance of a community/neighborhood gateway metal sign over Roy Smith Street in the location as shown on attached Exhibit A. The sign will have an approximate 196 foot clearance and is to be located about 120 feet west of the Avenue A intersection. The Petitioner owns the abutting properties on either side of the street, which are the River House Apartments. Due to its location at the west terminus of Roy Smith Street, the Apartments have very limited visibility from their primary vehicular access off of Broadway. The Apartments are shielded by street trees and buildings along Roy Smith. The sign design is predicated off of the truss bridge crossing the river at the west end of Roy Smith Street, which will have an accretive visual value to the overall neighborhood while also serving as a wayfinding feature for the River House Apartments.
ISSUE:
This ordinance will authorize a right-of-way encroachment permit for the installation of a sign over and within Roy Smith Street Public Right of Way, located between Avenue A and the San Antonio River, in Council District 1, as requested by River North Apartments, Ltd., for a fee of $500.00; and waiving applicable sections of Chapter 28 of the City Code.
River North Apartments Ltd., Petitioner, is requesting a right-of-way encroachment permit (10-year term) for the installation and maintenance of a community/neighborhood gateway metal sign over Roy Smith Street in the location as shown on attached Exhibit A. The sign will have an approximate 196 foot clearance and is to be located about 120 feet west of the Avenue A intersection. The Petitioner owns the abutting properties on either side of the street, which are the River House Apartments. Due to its location at the west terminus of Roy Smith Street, the Apartments have very limited visibility from their primary vehicular access off of Broadway. The Apartments are shielded by street trees and buildings along Roy Smith. The sign design is predicated off of the truss bridge crossing the river at the west end of Roy Smith Street, which will have an accretive visual value to the overall neighborhood while also serving as a wayfinding feature for the River House Apartments.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this request; however, doing so may hinder the Petitioner’s business in not allowing for a more accessible view of its apartments.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The right-of-way encroachment permit fee is $500.00 as provided by Chapter 37, Section 22 of the City Code. This revenue will be deposited into the General Fund in accordance with the FY 2017 Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this request to authorize a right-of-way encroachment permit for the installation of a sign over and within Roy Smith Street Public Right of Way, in Council District 1.