To amend Section 12-101, Prohibited on certain streets at all times, of Article V, Stopping, Standing and Parking, Chapter 12, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, of the City of Plano Code of Ordinances to establish a no parking zone on the north side of Emerson Drive from Preston Meadow Drive to a point one hundred forty-five (145) feet west of Virginia Drive, within the city limits of the City of Plano; and providing a penalty clause, a repealer clause, a severability clause, a savings clause, a publication clause, and an effective date. Adopted Ordinance No. 2022-11-6 with amendment.

The Engineering Department recommends an amendment to a certain section of the Code of Ordinances to establish a no parking zone along and upon the north side of Emerson Drive, adjacent to Preston Meadow Park, within the city limits of the City of Plano in order to ensure safe passage of emergency vehicles.

Emerson Drive is an existing twenty-six-foot-wide residential street with Preston Meadow Park on the north side and residential neighborhoods on the south side.  The Transportation Division received concerns about emergency vehicle access, especially during the peak hours of the park when a line of parked vehicles occupies each side of the street.

The Fire Department deemed the access limited to Emerson Drive during peak usage of Preston Meadow Park, determining that a typical fire engine would not be able to maneuver through Emerson Drive with no gaps between parked vehicles during peak usage.

Concurrently, the Engineering Department has initiated a CIP project to widen the street as a permanent resolution.

This item may impact revenue collected from parking fines due to the implementation of parking restrictions; however, the exact change in revenue is indeterminable and will have minimal impact on the General Fund budget.

Approval of this item to establish parking restrictions along a certain section of Emerson Drive supports the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods.