DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance authorizing the continuation of the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) Program Zone in the Lavaca Neighborhood and suspending the Event Decal Program for areas in the Lavaca Neighborhood
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the designation of a Residential Permit Parking Zone along the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Lavaca Street; 100, 200, 300 and 500 blocks of Refugio Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Barrera Street; 100 and 200 blocks of Camargo Street; 100 block of Canal Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Callaghan Avenue; 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Labor Street; the 400 block of Santa Clara Place; and the 700 block of Matagorda Street. The City will charge $10 per parking permit with a maximum of up to four permits per address within the RPP zone boundaries. Additionally, this ordinance suspends the Event Decal Program in the Lavaca neighborhood. The RPP zone for the Lavaca Neighborhood replaces the Event Decal Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Residential Permit Parking programs (RPPs) exist in several major cities throughout the United States and Texas to help protect residential areas from an influx of commuter parking. RPPs establish permit only parking zones which prohibits non-residents from using on-street parking in neighborhoods near commercial areas during certain hours. During hours when the RPP is not in effect on-street parking is open to the public and a permit is not required.
The City of San Antonio (City) created a pilot Residential Permit Parking Program in April 2014. The program was permanently adopted in April 2015. Since then, three RPP zones have been created in the City.
With increased redevelopment in the urban core, parking pressure has been placed on adjacent neighborhoods. The Lavaca Neighborhood had been subjected to the Event Decal Program, which restricts parking near the Alamodome and Lavaca to residents during special events at the Alamodome, Convention Center, Hemisfair, and La Villita. SAPD and Center City Development and Operations enforcement staff work together during events to enforce parking restrictions.
After learning of additional parking-related issues from various residents of the Lavaca and King William neighborhoods, the City retained a consultant to evaluate existing parking conditions. The study evaluated existing parking restrictions and policies, as well as national best practices to identify a program to replace the Event Decal Program in the Lavaca Neighborhood. On March 29, 2018, the City Council approved a temporary RPP for various streets in the Lavaca Neighborhood for a 14 month period. The application met the requirements of 1) at least 60% of the residents on the proposed street supported the RPP zone through a petition and 2) parking study conducted by Kimley-Horn. Although the initial parking study was missing minor elements from the requirement in the Transportation Code Chapter 19, the existence of a commuter parking problem existed and the temporary program was proposed and approved. As the 14 month period progressed, City staff has reviewed the zone and its effectiveness with residents. The temporary RPP has been successful in providing on street parking for residents. In the Zone, a total of 353 permits have been issued and for the period between August 1, 2018 and August 1, 2019 there were 2,577 parking enforcement actions. Of these, there were 2,286 citations and 291 warnings issued.
Based on positive feedback from residents in the area, the temporary Zone should be continued as a permanent Zone. Renewal permits will be required on an annual basis as long as the Zone remains in effect. This RPP will allow permit parking on one side of the street and public parking (non-permit) on the opposite side. The Zone will run from 7 am to 2 am, Monday through Sunday. Residents have the opportunity to purchase up to four permits per address annually for parking during the effective hours. Permits are $10 each.
This ordinance authorizes the continuation of a Residential Permit Parking Zone along 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Lavaca Street; 100, 200, 300 and 500 blocks of Refugio Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Barrera Street; 100 and 200 blocks of Camargo Street; 100 block of Canal Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Callaghan Avenue; 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Labor Street; the 400 block of Santa Clara Place; and the 700 block of Matagorda Street.
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. City Council may choose to de-designate any portion at any time.
ISSUE:
This action creates a permanent Residential Permit Parking Zone along the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Lavaca Street; 100, 200, 300 and 500 blocks of Refugio Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Barrera Street; 100 and 200 blocks of Camargo Street; 100 block of Canal Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Callaghan Avenue; 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Labor Street; the 400 block of Santa Clara Place; and the 700 block of Matagorda Street.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council has the option to approve the RPP program with modifications, or to alter the proposed area for the RPP zone. City Council could also postpone or deny the approval. Postponement or failure to approve the RPP zone would allow the on-street parking in the area to remain open to the public.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the continuation of a Residential Permit Parking Zone in the Lavaca Neighborhood and suspends the Event Decal Program.
The City will charge $10 per parking permit with a maximum of up to four permits per address within the RPP zone boundaries.
The anticipated revenue generated by this ordinance will be $1,760, and will be deposited into the Parking Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends designation of a targeted RPP zone for the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Lavaca Street; 100, 200, 300 and 500 blocks of Refugio Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Barrera Street; 100 and 200 blocks of Camargo Street; 100 block of Canal Street; 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Callaghan Avenue; 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Labor Street; the 400 block of Santa Clara Place; and the 700 block of Matagorda Street.