Title
Public Hearing to Consider Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter XII (Designated Parking) to Improve Procedures for Management of Public Parking on City Streets and in City Lots; and
Recommendation to Approve a Policy for the Use of License Plate Recognition Technology for the Purpose of Parking Enforcement. (Planning, Building and Transportation 4227287) [Not heard on March 17, 2020]
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2014, the City Council adopted the Alameda Point Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDM Plan) that requires that the City of Alameda (City), in partnership with Alameda Point tenants and property owners, manage the supply and cost of parking as a means to managing the traffic generated by development of Alameda Point. The TDM Plan calls for paid parking at the ferry terminals and public parking lots, and time limited parking on public streets (both free and paid, depending on location). In 2018, the City Council adopted the Transportation Choices Plan that requires the City to institute paid parking at all of the City’s ferry terminals, including the new Seaplane Lagoon Terminal, to manage parking demand. Parking management is also an essential strategy identified in the 2019 Climate Action Plan to address climate change.
On September 3, 2019, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the expansion of the parking enforcement program to include a mix of full-time and part-time City employees. On November 5, 2019, the City Council directed staff to prepare budget amendments for City Council consideration and to add two full-time, non-sworn, parking enforcement officers. Those amendments were included in the March 3, 2020, Mid-Year Budget Amendment recommendations from staff.
In support of cost effective and adaptable parking management in Alameda and at Alameda Point, staff is recommending that the City Council:
• Amend the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) to ensure effective implementation of parking management plans and policies, and
• Approve a City policy for the use of automated license plate recognition readers for the purpose of parking enforcement in cost effective program improvements.
BACKGROUND
Parking management, including paid parking, parking time limits, and parking enforcement can be used to influence transportation mode choice, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduce automobile congestion, and optimize the use of shared parking supply. The 2019 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, the 2018 Transportation Choices Plan, and the 2014 Alameda Point Transportation Demand Management Plan recommend parking management to reduce traffic and GHG emissions citywide. The plans envision:
• Paid parking at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, Main Street Ferry Terminal, and new Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal.
• Restricting the supply of free private parking at Alameda Point and providing City-owned shared public parking lots and on-street parking restrictions that can be managed through paid parking policies.
• Establishing parking restrictions, parking charges, and other transportation demand management strategies on “Day One” of new developments, so that new residents, businesses, and visitors are not asked to adapt to and embrace new strategies at a later date.
DISCUSSION
Parking management, including paid parking, parking time limits, and parking enforcement can be used to influence transportation mode choice, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reduce automobile congestion, and optimize the use of shared parking supply. The 2019 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, the 2018 Transportation Choices Plan, and the 2014 Alameda Point Transportation Demand Management Plan recommend parking management to reduce traffic and GHG emissions citywide. The plans envision:
• Paid parking at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, Main Street Ferry Terminal, and new Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal.
• Restricting the supply of free private parking at Alameda Point and providing City-owned shared public parking lots and on-street parking restrictions that can be managed through paid parking policies.
• Establishing parking restrictions, parking charges, and other transportation demand management strategies on “Day One” of new developments, so that new residents, businesses, and visitors are not asked to adapt to and embrace new strategies at a later date.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve introduction of the ordinance amending the AMC and the draft City policy for the use of automated license plate recognition readers.
• Approve the first reading of the ordinance, but delay approval of the LPR policy pending more information.
• Delay action on both recommendations until additional information is made available for City Council consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Parking Program will be funded by parking fees and citations collected by the program. With the recommended technologies and strategies and the recommended AMC text amendments, the City will be able to easily fine tune the program to ensure that the program covers its costs and meets any additional funding or occupancy goals established by the City Council. It is recommended that the expenditures proposed above be funded by the Parking Fund and parking enforcement citation fees.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
AMC Chapter 8 contains parking prohibitions and Chapter 12 covers public parking regulations. California Vehicle Code section 22500 et seq. regulates stopping, standing, and parking of vehicles. Adoption of this Ordinance is consistent with adopted City policies in the 2019 Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, the 2018 Transportation Choices Plan, and the 2014 Alameda Point TDM Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) Existing Facilities and 15303 (new construction of small structures) and 15183 Projects consistent with a General Plan
CLIMATE IMPACTS
Parking management plays an important role in reducing GHG emissions from private vehicles. With the recommended parking technologies and enforcement tools, the City will be better able to manage parking and traffic to meet GHG reduction goals. Achieving an 85% occupancy goal means that every block has a couple of open parking spaces, and drivers can park quickly rather than continuing to drive while looking for parking. Reducing double-parking also helps buses run efficiently on commercial corridors, making it that much more viable for people to choose buses over driving.
Consistently enforced paid parking programs can influence mode choice. Free parking provides a powerful incentive to drive; when parking is priced right and enforced for compliance, people are more likely to consider other modes of travel. Parking management also plays a key role in improving street sweeping effectiveness and litter control by providing the street sweepers better access to the curb line. Improved litter collection at the curb line ensures compliance with regulatory litter control programs and improves local flood control resiliency by keeping more litter out of the municipal storm drainage system.
RECOMMENDATION
Hold a Public Hearing and introduce ordinance amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter XII (Designated Parking) to improve procedures for management of public parking on City streets and in City lots; and approve a policy for the use of automated license plate readers for the purpose of parking enforcement.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends approval of the introduction of the ordinance amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter XII.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building & Transportation Director
Paul Rolleri, Chief of Police
Liam Garland, Public Works Director
By,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building & Transportation Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Nancy Bronstein, Acting Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Draft Policy
2. Personal Privacy Impact Evaluation
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager