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Council asks staff to refine limits on front-yard parking; first reading to return after edits
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed amendment to prohibit or limit parking on unimproved front-yard surfaces, discussed exceptions for narrow streets and screened rear-yard parking, and asked staff to return with a first-reading ordinance after clarifying enforcement, exceptions and junk-vehicle language.
City staff presented research showing that few Texas cities explicitly permit front-yard parking; San Angelo's current ordinance contains multiple exceptions tied to street width, setbacks and screening. Bob (legal/code staff) recommended narrowing exceptions and clarifying setback and screening requirements to maintain neighborhood standards.
Key proposed changes discussed by council included limiting the additional exceptions to three categories (recreation trailers/RVs with proper setbacks, valid handicap plates/permits, and parking in rear yards that are not adjacent to a street right-of-way), requiring opaque screening where rear-yard parking would be visible from the street, and removing convoluted curb-width language.
Councilmembers raised enforcement and equity concerns. Rudy (Code Compliance) said the department logged 31 citizen complaints about yard parking in 2023 and explained that junk-vehicle enforcement is handled under a separate ordinance. Councilmembers asked staff to coordinate ordinance language with the junk-vehicle review so both sets of rules are clearer for residents and for enforcement personnel.
"This will provide an opportunity for them to move their car to the backyard instead of the front yard," one councilmember said, noting the change could improve block appearance in neighborhoods with frequent yard parking. Other members cautioned that some residents on narrow lots may need guidance or time to comply and recommended an education period before enforcement ramps up.
Council did not vote on the ordinance amendments on May 21. Staff will return with refined language and a recommended schedule for first reading and public notice.
What happens next: Legal and code staff will revise the draft language to (1) clarify exceptions and setbacks, (2) align junk-vehicle enforcement language, and (3) propose a timeline for a first reading and public outreach.
