PRESENTER: Presenter
Carly Farmer, Assistant City Engineer
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SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 126-346 and Section 126-369 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Braunfels to revise no parking and loading zones in the Cotton Crossing subdivision.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Transportation Division has received a request from the Cotton Crossing HOA to establish no parking zones in the newer units of the Cotton Crossing subdivision to match the existing parking restrictions in the original residential section in order to maintain through traffic and desired aesthetics. Cotton Crossing Units 1, 6, and 7 were all platted prior to 2008. Following construction, parking restrictions were established throughout. The majority of the streets have a “24 hours a day/7 days a week” (24/7) parking restriction on one side and a no overnight parking restriction from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on the other, except for a few streets with center median islands where parking is restricted at all times on both sides. Cotton Crossing Units 8 and 9 were platted in 2009 and 2012, respectively. There were a few no parking signs installed in Unit 8 by the developer, but an ordinance update was never pursued for either unit. While seeking additional no parking signs in these units, the HOA was informed that an ordinance is required in order for parking restrictions to be enforceable. As a result, the HOA requested that city staff pursue an ordinance revision.
An engineering investigation and study were conducted to determine what parking restrictions are necessary in Cotton Crossing Units 8 and 9 based on street safety and functionality. In addition, staff revisited the existing parking restrictions in Units 1, 6, and 7 to analyze what changes should be made in order to maintain consistency of parking restrictions throughout the subdivision. Staff conducted field observations in the Summer of 2024 to measure the pavement widths and document existing parking restriction signs for every public street in the subdivision. Based on street standards and general ordinances for on-street parking, pavement width ranges were determined for three parking restriction conditions:
• Parking restrictions on both sides of the street- pavement width is less than 18 feet
• Parking restrictions on one side of the street- pavement width is between 18 and 24 feet
• No parking restrictions on the street- pavement width is at least 28 feet
Using these ranges, staff drafted a recommended no parking plan for Cotton Crossing. Staff then determined which side of the street would have a parking restriction for streets with pavement width between 18 and 24 feet. Where possible, the recommended no parking zones were proposed on the same side of the street where 24/7 parking restrictions were already in place. If neither side previously had a parking restriction, factors such as back-alley access for properties, locations of parking restrictions due to existing traffic control (such as stop signs), and optimal sight distance were used to build the recommendation. Staff did not identify the need to continue any overnight parking restrictions. For the mailbox access pull-out areas in the public right-of-way, staff recommends loading zones be established.
ISSUE:
The Cotton Crossing HOA is requesting additional parking restrictions in the newer subdivision units in order to be consistent with existing parking restrictions.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY 2025 Approved Streets and Drainage Budget.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously recommended approval at their October 17, 2024 meeting.
Staff
Staff recommends revising no parking zones in Cotton Crossing based on pavement widths and installing loading zones for mail pick-up areas.