Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
CM/ ACM: Jon Fortune, ACM
Date: April 18, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas prohibiting parking on the east side of Denton Street from Oak Street to Hickory Street; providing a repealer clause, providing a savings clause; providing for a penalty not to exceed $500 for violations of this ordinance, providing that violations of this ordinance shall be governed by Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Denton, and providing for an effective date. The Traffic Safety Commission recommends Option 1 (6-0).
Body
BACKGROUND
In the recent past, City staff has received several requests from concerned residents regarding the segment of Denton Street between Oak Street and Hickory Street. The primary issue was the narrow street width and the heavy use of on-street parking (both side) along this section of the roadway.
The segment of Denton Street between Oak Street and Hickory Street is approximately 24 feet in width and experiences heavy on-street parking on both sides due to the proximity of the University of North Texas (UNT) campus and multi-family residential units on both sites of the street. Given the location and surrounding land use, on-street parking demand in this area is high. As such, staff investigated the possibility of reducing the impact on parking supply by restricting parking on east side only while allowing on-street parking on the west side.
The Fire Code requires a street to be a minimum of 26 feet for allowing on-street parking on one side. This requirement provides the necessary space essential for access and deployment of fire equipment. The current street width does not provide sufficient capacity to legally permit on-street parking on both sides of Denton Street between Oak Street and Hickory Street as it does not satisfy the requirement included in the fire code.
Staff had notified the property owners and residents on and adjacent to Denton Street about the proposed discussion item regarding parking on Denton Street to ensure residents and property owners have an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have. Letters were mailed on February 24th and door hangers were placed on March 2nd on residential addresses on both sides of Denton Street.
Based on review of existing parking conditions and the available street width for two-way traffic along Denton Street between Oak Street and Hickory Street and further discussion of this issue in the April 11th City Council Work Session, staff recommends restricting parking on east side of the street. This will allow better accessibility for emergency and other vehicles while reducing impacts on the overall parking supply in this area. While considering the recommendation, it should be noted that typically restricting on street parking reduces the side friction resulting in the possibility of increase in average speeds along this segment of Denton Street.
Staff is aware there are other street segments throughout the community that experience heavy on-street parking and may be in conflict of the Fire Code minimum street width of 26 feet. Staff is in the process of identifying these street segments and reviewing options with the intent of developing a comprehensive plan to balance public safety requirements and on-street parking needs.
OPTIONS
1. Recommend approval of an ordinance to restrict parking on both sides of Denton Street
2. Recommend approval of an ordinance to restrict parking on the east side of Denton Street seeking a variance to the Fire Code
3. Decline recommendation of a no parking zone and provide staff with additional direction
RECOMMENDATION
The Traffic Safety Commission considered this item at the March meeting and recommends Option 1 (6-0) for restricting parking on both sides of Denton Street.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
It is anticipated the work could be scheduled for completion within a month of Council approval.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
Traffic Safety Commission considered this proposal at the March 20, 2017 meeting and recommended Council consideration 6-0.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Approximately $500 in labor and material cost for signage.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Safe, Liveable & Family-Friendly Community
Related Goal: 4.1 Enhance public safety in the community
EXHIBITS
1. Letter Notices to property owners and residents dated March 15, 2017
2. Door Hanger Notices March 16, 2017
3. Site Map - Option 1
4. Ordinance
Respectfully submitted:
Galen Gillum
Director of CIP
Prepared by:
Pritam Deshmukh
Traffic Engineer