Ordinances

Related Documents

The City of Kress is responsible for protecting our community's health, safety and welfare through effective enforcement of codes and ordinances. The City ordinances and resolutions are complied and presented to the Mayor and City Council for motion of adopting during open public meetings. Ordinances are presented in PDF files. 

We are currently working hard to update & upload files. Thank you for being patiences with us during this time. You may visit city hall during hours of operation for any open records request, questions, comments or concerns.

 

 

City of Kress Parking Regulations and Ordinances

Welcome to the official resource on parking regulations within the City of Kress. This page aims to provide clear information on city ordinances related to parking, address common misconceptions, particularly concerning parking in front of Kress ISD school buildings, and outline relevant Texas state laws governing parking near schools and parallel parking requirements.

City Ordinances on Parking

The City of Kress has established several ordinances to ensure safe and efficient parking throughout the community. Key ordinances include:

 

 

Parking Near Kress ISD School Buildings

To ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors, specific parking regulations are enforced around Kress ISD school buildings. These regulations are designed to manage traffic flow and provide safe pedestrian access. 

Texas State Laws on Parking Near Schools

In addition to local ordinances, Texas state law imposes certain restrictions on parking near schools:

  • Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited in Certain Places: Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.302, parking is prohibited in specific areas, ​Transp. Code Section 545.302

    Violations of these provisions can result in fines and other penalties. ​

  • School District Authority: According to Texas Education Code § 37.102, the board of trustees of a school district may adopt rules for the operation and parking of vehicles on school property. Violations of such rules are considered a Class C misdemeanor. ​Educ. Code Section 37.102

Parallel Parking Requirements in Texas

Proper parallel parking is essential for traffic safety and is governed by state regulations:

  • General Rules: Per Texas Transportation Code § 545.303:​

    • On a two-way roadway, vehicles must be parked with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.​

    • On a one-way roadway, vehicles may be parked parallel to the curb or edge in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with either the right-hand or left-hand wheels within 18 inches of the curb or edge.​

    These regulations ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct traffic flow and maintain roadway safety. ​

     

Adherence to both city ordinances and state laws regarding parking is crucial for maintaining safety and order within the City of Kress. Residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to a safe community environment. For further information or clarification on parking regulations, please contact City of Kress City Hall. Residents are encourge to attened the City of Kress City Council Public Meetings.

  • The City of Kress held a public hearing on August 20, 2024 (08/20/2024), featuring guest speaker Heath Bozeman, TxDOT Area Engineer. The meeting was attended by members of the Kress ISD School Board Council, Kress ISD Superintendent, and community members who participated in discussion reguarding the upcoming TxDOT project and parallel parking.

  • On December 19, 2024, the City of Kress City Council held a public meeting where Mayor Johnny Taylor addressed how the parallel issue arose following an inquiry from Kress ISD Superintendent Leah Zeigler regarding road striping. The discussion also covered the response from Parkhill, which determined that a traffic and road survey was unnecessary due to existing laws mandating parallel parking under Texas Transportation Code § 545.303.

Related Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Ordinances?

Ordinances are legally binding local laws adopted by the City Council. They allow the city to:

  • Set standards for safety, public behavior and accountability for all residents.

  • Regulate land use, zoning, and building requirements

  • Establish rules for utilities and city services

  • Address issues like noise, animals, property upkeep, and public nuisances

  • Enforce penalties when rules are violated

Once adopted, ordinances become part of the official governing rules of Kress.

Why Do We Need Ordinances?

Safety

Clear rules for buildings, roads, animals, and property conditions keep residents safe.

Fairness

Everyone follows the same rules, preventing conflicts and protecting property rights.

Order and Cleanliness

Ordinances help maintain a clean, livable, and respectful neighborhood environment.

Local Control

They allow Kress and not outside agencies to decide what is best for the community.

How Ordinances Are Created

1. Proposal

An ordinance may be proposed by a:

  • City Council member

  • Mayor

  • City staff

  • Citizen (through a request to council; council decides whether to move forward)

2. Drafting

City officials prepare the ordinance language, ensuring it follows Texas law.

3. City Council Review

The ordinance is placed on a City Council meeting agenda. Residents may offer comments during the public comment period (following meeting rules). For more information on public meetings visit the City Council Piblic Meetings page. 

4. Readings and Consideration

Most ordinances require one or more readings/explanations at council meetings before a vote.

5. Council Vote

The City Council votes to approve or deny the ordinance. During the event of a tie the Mayor may vote.

6. Adoption

If passed, the ordinance becomes official law and is recorded in the city’s ordinance records.

7. Public Access

Once adopted, ordinances must be available to the public.
The City of Kress provides access through City Hall and posted public notices. 

Open Records

How Ordinances Are Enforced

Ordinances are typically enforced by:

  • City staff

  • Code enforcement

  • Law enforcement (depending on the issue)

  • Municipal Court (for violations requiring fines or hearings)

Enforcement is meant to ensure compliance, not punish residents, whenever possible.

How Residents Can Participate

Your voice helps shape the local laws that guide Kress.

Residents can be involved in the ordinance process by:

Attending City Council meetings

Giving respectful input during public comment

Contacting the Mayor or City Council members

Reviewing posted draft ordinances or notices

Asking questions at City Hall for clarification

The Goal of City Ordinances

City ordinances exist to maintain a safe, peaceful, well-organized community where residents can thrive and are accountable. They help ensure that Kress remains a place where families feel secure, property is protected, and the community can grow responsibly.