Committee approves code change to match Prince Street one-way signage, limits alternate-side parking to final block

The Public Safety General Government Committee voted to amend local code to match existing field signage on Prince Street Northeast and to limit alternate‑side parking to the block from Smith Avenue to Foxhall Avenue.

The measure, introduced as an amendment by John Andrews, replaces the longer one‑way segment listed in Chapter 39088, Section 5 with a shorter segment and removes alternate‑side parking from the portion between Garden Street and Smith Avenue. Committee Chair (name not specified) opened debate and said, “I’ll entertain a motion to accept John’s amendment.” Drew seconded the motion, and the committee approved it by voice vote.

The committee said the change is intended to resolve a five‑leg intersection safety problem and to align the written code with signage already posted in the field. Staff explained the existing code listed the entire length of Prince Street from Grand (Grand Street) to Foxhall Avenue as subject to alternate‑side parking, but signs have not reflected that citywide restriction for many years. The amendment shortens the codeed alternate‑side restriction so only the block nearest Foxhall remains subject to alternate‑side rules; the remainder of Prince Street will allow standard two‑sided parking.

During discussion members noted the one‑way designation reduces sight‑distance conflicts at the complex intersection near the restaurant and that narrowing the alternate‑side parking rule removes an unnecessary restriction for most of the street. Committee members said the sign changes needed to make the law and field signage consistent will be moved so do‑not‑enter regulatory signs now positioned at Foxhall will instead be located at Smith.

The motion passed on a voice vote; vote counts were not specified in the meeting record.

Background: Committee members said the code language being corrected had been in place but unsigned or not enforced for many years. The amendment was presented as a technical correction to align the municipal code with traffic control devices already installed.

The committee did not attach an effective date beyond the usual post‑adoption signage changes and outreach; staff recommended no extended notice period because the change relaxes restrictions for much of the street rather than tightening them.