Title
Parking on Sidewalk Ordinance Amendment
Action
Action:
Adopt an ordinance approving an amendment to Chapter 14, Article IV, Section 14-130 of the City Code as recommended by the Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
Body
Council Resource(s):
Malcolm Graham, Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Andrea Leslie-Fite, City Attorney
Lisa Flowers, City Attorney's Office
Current Ordinance
* The city's ordinances regarding motor vehicles and traffic are codified in Chapter 14. Two provisions of Chapter 14 address the prohibition of parking on sidewalks:
* Section 14-216(a)(9) provides that it is unlawful "to stop, stand, or park a vehicle ... [o]n a sidewalk."
* Section 14-130 provides that it is "unlawful to operate, drive, stop, stand, or park a vehicle upon any sidewalk or sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporary driveway."
* Although both sections prohibit parking on sidewalks, Section 14-130 introduces an exception that does not appear in Section 14-216(a)(9). The overlapping but different language in these two sections creates ambiguity for enforcement officers and residents.
Proposed Changes
* Amending Section 14-130 to remove the driveway exception will:
* Bring Section 14-130 into full alignment with Section 14-216(a)(9);
* Clarify that parking on sidewalks is prohibited under all circumstances; and
* Preserve the city's ability to enforce sidewalk protections uniformly.
Committee Discussion
* At the August 3, 2026, Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting, the Committee reviewed current ordinance language and needed revisions. The Committee voted unanimously (Graham, Mayo, Owens) to recommend the proposed ordinance amendment to Chapter 14, Article IV, Section 14-130 of the City Code.
* Council received an overview of the proposed ordinance amendment at the August 10, 2026, City Council Meeting.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Ordinance
Ordinance...
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