AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2026-23, on the first of two readings, designating four parking spaces for San Marcos Police parking only and designating such spaces as no parking tow-away zones, as authorized in Section 82.161 of the San Marcos City Code, to improve police accessibility and response times, and to enhance downtown security operations during peak activity hours from 5:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. daily; including procedural provisions; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: May 5, 2026
Department: Public Works
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $1,200
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): 10006147-53230
Funds Available: Yes
Account Name: Signs Traffic
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) is requesting authorization to establish four (4) on-street Police Parking Only, Tow-Away zones within the downtown area from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM daily in response to serious incidents that occurred in the same area in the summer and fall of 2025, each resulting in individuals being injured or killed. These reserved spaces are intended to support enhanced security operations during peak evening and late-night hours in the downtown area. The proposed locations are identified in Exhibit A - Proposed Police Parking Locations in San Marcos Downtown Area, which includes a map and specific space designations in each of the four following locations:
• N Guadalupe St at E Hopkins St
• E Hopkins St at N LBJ Dr
• S LBJ Dr at E San Antonio St
• S Guadalupe St at W San Antonio St
The reservation of these parking spaces is intended to improve officer accessibility and response times, increase the visibility of law enforcement presence, and enhance overall public safety during periods of heightened activity. This request is consistent with the City's broader objectives of balancing parking management, mobility, and public safety needs within the downtown area. The City of San Marcos Parking Advisory Board considered this item and approved a Recommendation Resolution in support of the proposed reserved parking spaces on February 23, 2026. The resolution is included as Exhibit B for reference.
Pursuant with Sec. Sec. 82.161 (Tow-away zones), any street, alley or city-owned property or part thereof may be designated as a no parking tow-away zone by separate ordinance.
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Recommendation:
Staff recommend approval.