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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEGD-033-13 Clarftwn REPORT ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: September 9, 2013 Resolution#: -IV -°/ 3 By-law#: o26i Report#: EGD-033-13 File#: Subject: PARKING ON DRIVEWAY APRONS RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1 . THAT Report EGD-033-13 be received; and 2. THAT the Municipality continue its practice of prohibiting parking on a municipal boulevard in accordance with Sect. (6) of By-law No. 91-58 being a by-law "To Regulate Traffic on Highways, Municipal and Private Property in the Municipality of Clarington". 1 Submitted by: -Reviewed by: A.S. Cannella, C.E.T. t Franklin Wu, Director of Engineeringf Chief Administrative Officer Services ASC/LJB/dv September, 17 2013 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 REPORT NO.: EGD-033-13 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 From time to time municipal staff are requested to consider parking prohibition as it pertains to parking on driveway aprons. Aprons are that part of the driveway between the edge of the pavement and the property line. The driveway apron is part of the boulevard. 1.2 Section (6)- Parking Restrictions and Prohibitions in the Municipality's By-law No. 91-58 being a by-law "To Regulate Traffic on Highways, Municipal and Private Property in the Municipality of Clarington" (Traffic By-law) states: "No person shall on any highway park any vehicle: (J) on or over any boulevard [unless the boulevard has been improved specifically for that purpose]." 1.3 The reason that this prohibition was included in the Traffic By-law is because the presence of a vehicle parked on the boulevard obstructs the vision of a driver backing out of an adjacent driveway. The presence of a vehicle in the boulevard also blocks a driver's vision when one is backing out, and they both are parked side-by-side in their driveway. This results in reduced sight lines and potentially impairs visibility. Specifically: - A driver backing out of their driveway may not be able to see oncoming traffic due to the presence of vehicles parked on the boulevard. - A driver may not be able to see pedestrians, particularly children, where the boulevard is not clear of parked vehicles. Further: - Vehicles parked in the boulevard can obstruct and interfere with access to utilities located in the boulevard (e.g. gas, water mains, water connections, sanitary connections, foundation drain connections to the storm sewer, telephone, cable, hydro, and overhead wires). - Vehicles parked in the boulevard are subject to damage by winter control activities due to their proximity to the travelled portion of the road. 1.4 Generally, this section of the Traffic By-Law is only enforced on a complaint basis. In other words, cars parked on aprons may cause visibility issues which are reported to the Municipality. 2.0 OTHER MUNICIPALITIES' PRACTICES 2.1 Staff have communicated with By-law staff from each municipality in Durham Region. Each municipality prohibits parking on a boulevard in the same manner as the Municipality's current by-law does. REPORT NO.: EGD-033-13 PAGE 3 3.0 AVAILABILITY OF PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS 3.1 In the late 1990's, smaller lot sizes and frontages than those that had been typically created in the past were being approved, and at the same time, households were acquiring more vehicles per household and more recreational vehicles such as boats, trailers, snowmobiles, etc. Staff were receiving increased complaints of illegal parking, particularly on the street. In response, in 1998 staff submitted a report to Council recommending that policies be reviewed and appropriate strategies be developed to address the problems encountered in newer residential areas. One of the recommendations which was implemented was to "require a minimum of two outdoor parking spaces on all lots [except townhouses]", since garages are often used for storage as opposed to parking vehicles. This strategy would ensure that even if a homeowner's garage were full of stored items, there would be at least two parking spots available on-site. A corresponding amendment to the Zoning By-law was made in 1999. 3.2 Another strategy implemented at that time was to require developers (at the draft plan of subdivision stage) to submit an on-street parking layout to ensure that sufficient on-street parking is provided. The plan must provide one on-street parking spot for every four single/semi-detached homes and one spot for every three townhouses. While on-street parking has its own prohibitions, this strategy is intended to ensure sufficient on-street parking for visitors and the like. 3.3 As well, at the same time, staff reviewed that section of the Traffic By-law prohibiting parking on the boulevard in consideration of making that area available for parking. Ultimately staff did not recommend a change to the By-law out of concern for safety, and Council concurred with staff's recommendation. 4.0 SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT 4.1 In an effort to effectively communicate the Municipality's parking policies and restrictions to new homeowners, it has been a longstanding Municipal policy to require developers to include clauses in all Offers of Purchase and Sale advising purchasers of parking restrictions. The potential purchaser can then make an informed decision with respect to whether or not the on-site parking is sufficient for their needs. 5.0 CONCURRENCE: Manager of Municipal Law Enforcement concurs. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 In conclusion, it is staff's opinion, for reasons of public safety, that parking on driveway aprons continue to be prohibited as outlined in By-law 91-58, and that current policies are sufficient to provide on-site parking and on-street parking to residential areas. REPORT NO.: EGD-033-13 PAGE 4 CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable Staff Contact: Leslie J. Benson, P. Eng., Manager, Development Engineering and Traffic List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision: Not applicable