The Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) recommends that City Council approve an ordinance amending Chapters 16 and 26 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances (Code) relating to parking regulations.
Chapter 16 sets forth the authority to administratively adjudicate parking citations in the Municipal Courts. The proposed amendments have been reviewed by the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Courts. ARA recommends the following revisions to Chapter 16, Article IV:
- Amend Section 16-64 to eliminate language requiring a cash bond to secure appearance in person or through legal counsel.
- Amend Section 16-64.1 to allow a parking citation to be contested online within 30 days of the issuance of the citation. Currently, citations may be contested within seven (7) days.
- Amend Section 16-66 to eliminate language requiring a cash bond to schedule a hearing. Hearings are held upon request for a hearing but must be within 30 days from the date of the issuance of the citation.
- Amend Section 16-66 to eliminate language requiring the prosecuting attorney to appear on behalf of the City at the hearing.
Chapter 26 pertains to various on-street and off-street parking enforcement and regulations. ARA recommends the following revisions to Chapter 26 impacting on-street parking regulations:
- Amend Section 26-2 to include a payment plan option for booted vehicle owners wishing to clear outstanding citations but who need the flexibility to pay over time.
- Amend Section 26-83 to implement time limits on Veteran’s parking privileges at City of Houston parking facilities, specifically including Houston airports and facilities managed by Houston First.
- Amend Sections 26-94, 26-95, and 26-96 relating to large vehicle restrictions, as recommended by HPD.
- Various updates recognizing digital technology has replaced manual processes.
- Various housekeeping updates to definitions and terminology.
The proposed amendments to Chapters 16 and 26 were presented by ARA and HAS to the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee on May 4, 2023. Additionally, the proposed amendments to Chapters 16 and 26 were posted on ARA’s website for 21 days.
Fiscal Note
There is no impact to the fiscal budget and no additional spending authority. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
Departmental Approval Authority:
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Tina Paez, Director Other Authorization
Administration & Regulatory
Affairs Department