What’s happening?
At a Dec. 2 meeting, Sugar Land City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to prevent overnight parking for commercial vehicles in commercial centers. A commercial vehicle is defined as having three axles or holding more than 15 passengers, said Nicole Guevara, assistant director of neighborhood services for Sugar Land.
While not currently a widespread issue, city staff raised safety concerns with abandoned or stored commercial vehicles occupying customer spaces, obstructing deliveries and creating visibility and safety concerns for employees and visitors.
The details
According to agenda documents, the new ordinance prevents long-term vehicle storage by:
- Prohibiting parking by commercial vehicles on commercial property from 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Holding owners of both the vehicle and the property responsible
- Authorizing enforcement activities, including removal of the vehicle from the property
What else?
Additionally, the ordinance will prohibit long-term parking at the city’s upcoming electric vehicle charging stations, set to be located at Sugar Land Airport and T.E. Harman Center, per agenda documents. Users will be limited to occupying the space only when actively charging, Guevara said.
Looking ahead
The ordinance is set to be heard by council for a second reading at an upcoming meeting, although an exact date has not been set, Guevara said.
The next Sugar Land City Council meeting is slated for Dec. 16.
