City documents state Bee Cave did not have an outline in place for the basic process within its code of ordinances “for submittal and approval of a license agreement for use of its right-of-way.”
Local municipalities have regulatory authority over their roadways and associated rights of way according to state law, and city information also states the new ordinance would address a safety concern for drivers as well as financial concerns regarding potential damage to public infrastructure.
The new ordinance states no encroachments can be placed within a right of way without consent from the city and creates a framework for how to submit a license agreement to applicable Bee Cave staff members.
Any agreements for use of a right of way lasting up to 30 days may be approved by the city manager, and agreements longer than 30 days must come before City Council for a vote, according to the ordinance.
One example of the need for the ordinance described by city staff involves a home owners association requesting the decoration of signage along a city right of way.
