Council reviews proposed code changes for political signs, tree trimming around streetlights and overnight commercial parking

At a workshop, Neighborhood Services staff presented draft ordinance changes aimed at improving public safety, preserving tree canopy while ensuring streetlight and camera function, and addressing commercial‑vehicle parking issues in retail centers.

Political signs: Staff proposed defining two sign categories and limiting Type 2 political signs (those supporting a candidate or ballot measure) to no earlier than 90 days before an election and requiring removal within five days after election certification (with a carve‑out for runoffs). Legal staff warned there is limited municipal case law on time limits for political signage; staff said the proposal aligns with typical HOA windows and that enforcement would target the property owner who allowed a sign to be placed.

Tree and vegetation trimming: Staff presented LumenTrakr nighttime lighting data and photographic examples showing many streetlights obscured by tree canopy. Proposed changes would allow staff to require trimming so fixtures are accessible for maintenance, to ensure a clearance (discussed as roughly a 4‑foot perimeter around the fixture) and to prevent vegetation from blocking license‑plate‑reader cameras. Council asked staff to consult with CenterPoint on minimum clearance and to avoid disfiguring large, mature trees; staff said enforcement would begin largely on a complaint or rotating inspection basis and would include notice periods before citations.

Overnight commercial‑vehicle parking: Staff proposed prohibiting overnight parking of commercial motor vehicles and trailers at commercial retail centers where they are visible from the public right of way unless the vehicle is actively loading/unloading or the property owner posts and enforces signage (e.g., with towing contracts). The proposal targets chronic parking in an unoccupied shopping center and would allow enforcement against both vehicle owners and property owners who fail to enforce posted restrictions.

Council provided direction on several points: align the political‑sign time windows with HOA norms, require staff to seek CenterPoint guidance on exact clearances for streetlight maintenance, prefer enforcement approaches that prioritize notice and opportunity to remedy before fines, and require property‑owner responsibility or active enforcement for commercial‑vehicle restrictions. Staff will draft ordinance language incorporating council feedback for a future meeting.