Eric Ferris, Lewisville's assistant city manager overseeing public works, gave a 45-minute presentation on residential complaints dating back to the 1970s and ways the city could better address parking around homes.
Ferris’ initial recommendations before the council included continuing to require a minimum of a one-car garage in addition to space in front of a house for two cars. The city could also widen streets where possible, and more strongly enforce and amend parking ordinances.
One major challenge Ferris cited is Lewisville’s sheer growth from a small town into a city with more than 100,000 residents. The earliest streets are as narrow as 19 feet. Current specifications require roads to be 33 feet wide–enough for cars to park on both sides of the road and for emergency vehicles to pass through, he said.
Another challenge Ferris pointed to is the size of a driveway in the front yard. Lots 60 feet or wider may have 27-foot-wide driveways, while lots that are less than 60 feet wide cannot have a driveway that takes up more than 45% of the yard. Those requirements ensure enough non-paved land to help water run off a lot and into the storm sewer system, according to Ferris. His presentation included an example where a home's driveway was larger than the yard.
Ferris said other common complaints the city receives pertain to recreational vehicles and large commercial vehicles, such as semi truck cabs in neighborhoods, as well as cars protruding from driveways. He suggested the city could increase parking enforcement or amend parking ordinances.
Council members will discuss parking issues on an as-needed basis during future council meetings.
