To:   HONORABLE MAYOR AND                   From:   James R. Helmer

                        CITY COUNCIL

 

   Subject:   EXPANSION OF PERMIT                        Date:   09-03-03

                        PARKING ZONES

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT:  3

SNI AREA:  13th Street, University

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Approve an ordinance for the permanent inclusion of 29 additional block segments into the current Horace Mann and South University Neighborhood residential permit parking zones. 

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Horace Mann and South University Neighborhood Permit Parking zones were established in April 2002 to effectively deal with the parking concerns of residents, businesses and community organizations in the vicinity of San José State University, Civic Plaza redevelopment area and the new City Hall.   The Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program is structured to allow changes based on new conditions and concerns.  Those requesting that a street or block segment be added to an existing Permit Parking Zone must demonstrate the need and obtain the support of a majority (50% +1) of households, owners and/or businesses on that particular street or block segment of a street.

 

In late 2002, at the request of the residents and the 13th Street and University SNI neighborhoods, petition packets were prepared for blocks in the Horace Mann and South University Neighborhoods meeting the basic eligibility requirements and those who were still interested in joining the RPP program.  The petitions were distributed to individuals in the neighborhoods who wished to canvass their blocks to be included in the RPP program. The petition packet fully described what permit parking would do, how the program would be administered, what permits would cost, how often renewal would be required and when enforcement would occur.   As allowed in the Permit Parking Ordinance, 29 block segments within the Horace Mann and South University Neighborhoods were added on an interim basis in January and July 2003. The Director of the Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to add or delete streets or block segments to any existing permit parking zone on an interim basis.  Changes must be presented to the City Council for final approval (Attachment 1 – Civic Plaza Map).

 

ANALYSIS

 

Many of the blocks that were petitioned received a majority vote (50% + 1) in support of inclusion of their block into the existing RPP zones.  Once these new block segments were again identified, permit parking signs were installed (January of 2003) and the RPP in both zones were implemented on an interim basis, effective February 2003 and August 2003.  Permits were issued to eligible residents and businesses in the RPP zone.   Primarily, the feed back from residents and businesses in the newly added blocks has been positive.   

 

Current and future residents in both neighborhoods are required to obtain and display valid residential parking permits for their personal vehicles, guest vehicles and service providers, if parking within an RPP zone during specified hours.  Permit zones are patrolled from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. except Saturday, Sundays and Holidays in the Horace Mann Permit Parking Area and 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. except Sundays and Holidays in the South University Permit Parking Area.  Residential Permit Parking fees in both zones are currently $25.00 for each permit, and permits are valid for a period of one year beginning August 1, 2003. 

 

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

In the fall of 2002, petitions were circulated to all the residents, property owners, and businesses not initially included in the Horace Mann and South University Neighborhood RPP program.  Residents from both RPP zones were active in canvassing block segments that did not initially receive the necessary support for the RPP program. 

 

In addition to the petition process, City staff made several presentations to the Civic Plaza Parking and Traffic Committee (PTC) and to members of the Strong Neighborhood Initiative (SNI).

 

 

COORDINATION

 

This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office, and the City Managers Budget Office.

 

 

COST IMPLICATION

 

The workload and cost of adding the new blocks into the Horace Mann and South University Neighborhood permit parking zones is considered minimal, will be absorbed within the existing Department budget, and will be recovered through permit fees. 

 

 

CEQA

 

CEQA: Exempt PP03-08-272

 

 

James R. Helmer

Director of Transportation

 

Attachment

ATTACHMENT 1 – CIVIC PLAZA MAP