The Civility Ordinance prohibits certain conduct on sidewalks (lying, sitting or deposing personal possessions) during most daylight hours. It is currently applicable to the Central Business District, Midtown, Old Sixth Ward, Avondale, Hyde Park, East Downtown Managment District, Historic Near Northside, South Post Oak/West Bellfort, Near Northside, Riverside Terrace, and Museum Park. The ordinance contains provisions for a citizen petition procedure to extend restrictions to other areas of the city.
The East End Management District on behalf of residents and business owners in the Magnolia Park area has submitted a petition to the City Secretary to extend the Civility Ordinance to their neighborhood. In compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 40-353 of the Code of Ordinances, the Planning and Development Department has certified that the petition meets the required criteria. The Houston Police Department will prepare a report indicating the existence of the kind of conduct that is prohibited under the Civility Ordinance and incidents of criminal misconduct in the Magnolia Park area and report their findings to City Council.
The ordinance requires a public hearing on the extension of the provisions to be held with a 14-day notice. The recommended date for the public hearing is Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 9:00 a.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers.
_______________________________
Vonn Tran
Director
Planning and Development Department