At the intersection of any streets at which vehicular traffic is controlled by an authorized traffic-control device, it shall be unlawful for any person to drive any vehicle across the sidewalk area or across private property at such intersection to avoid complying with such traffic-control device.
(1995 Code, sec. 10.301; 2009 Code, sec. 12.03.001)
Though not listed herein, all intersections designated by the city at which electric traffic-control signals are placed are hereby ratified and specifically saved from repeal. A listing of all such current intersections as well as such future intersections as recommended by the city manager and adopted by the city council will be maintained on file in the office of the city secretary.
(Ordinance adopting 2009 Code; 2009 Code, sec. 12.03.002)
All traffic-control devices including signs, signals and markings (pavement and/or curb) installed or used for the purpose of directing and controlling traffic within the city shall conform with the manual and specifications adopted by the state transportation commission as provided in V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, section 544.001. All signs, signals and markings erected or used by the city must conform to the manual and specifications adopted under V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, section 544.001. All existing traffic-control devices and those erected in the future by the city being consistent with the manual and specifications, state law and this section shall be official traffic-control devices.
(Ordinance adopting 2019 Code)
(a) 
General.
Speed humps should be selectively located in accordance with defined transportation engineering criteria for the purpose of reducing documented speeding problems. Requests for the installation of speed humps shall comply with the requirements of the section.
(b) 
Definitions.
Collector street.
A street which carries traffic from local streets to the system of major streets, including the principal entrance street or streets into a subdivision development and streets designed primarily to provide traffic circulation within or between one or more subdivisions.
Low and moderate density residential dwellings.
Dwellings located in RE, R1, R3, PH and MF zoning districts as established under the Hondo unified development code.
Minor street.
Those which are used primarily for access to the abutting residential properties and which are intended to serve traffic within a residential district.
Notification area.
The area within 500 feet of the street/petition area (as defined below). The measurement of 500 feet includes streets and alleys.
Speed hump.
A geometric design feature of a street consisting of a raised area in the street pavement surface extending transversely across the traveled portion of a street for the primary purpose of encouraging reduced speeds of vehicles traveling along that street.
Street/petition area.
The minimum length of the street segment for consideration is 1,000 feet (i.e., 500 feet on either side of the proposed speed hump located on the length of the block) whichever is greater. If the 1,000-foot segment extends into any part of an adjacent block, it shall include the entire length of the adjacent block, unless separated by an intervening thoroughfare, traffic signal or offset intersection.
(c) 
Eligibility requirements.
A petition for speed hump installation must satisfy each of the following criteria:
(1) 
Petition.
A petition documenting that at least three-fourths of the addressed households in low and moderate density residential dwellings on the street support the installation and/or potential cost sharing described herein. A single signature for each street address will suffice as demonstrating support for the proposed speed hump installation.
(2) 
Location of the street.
The street for the proposed speed hump installation must be located in front of primarily of low and moderate density residential dwellings and be located within one of the following zoning districts: R-1 district, R-2 district, R-3 district, residential estate district and R-1/CL district.
(3) 
Operational characteristics of the street.
The street must be designated by city as a residential collector street or residential minor street. In addition:
(A) 
The street must be used to provide access to abutting low and moderate density residential dwellings and/or a residential minor street used to collect traffic for a residential collector street.
(B) 
There must be no more than one traffic lane in each direction and the paved width of the street must not exceed 30 feet.
(C) 
Speed humps will only be located on a paved residential street (alleys are not eligible).
(D) 
The existing speed limit must be 30 mph or less.
(E) 
The 85th percentile speed must be more than five miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
(F) 
The street should have curb and gutter, but a street with a defined drainage ditch on uncurbed streets may be considered.
(G) 
The street must not have curves that would restrict visibility.
(H) 
The street straight-a-way length must be at least 1,000 feet.
(I) 
Traffic volume must be at least 500 vehicles per day.
(4) 
Objections.
A petition for a speed hump will be denied if:
(A) 
City receives a written objection by the city police chief and/or emergency districts # 6 and # 3.
(B) 
City receives written object from owner(s) of the property abutting the speed hump.
(5) 
Prohibited locations.
A speed hump may not be in located in the following locations:
(A) 
In front of a driveway.
(B) 
Within 200 feet of a traffic control device or within 50 feet of an intersection.
(C) 
On a street designated as a truck route.
(6) 
Drainage consideration.
City engineer must verify that the speed hump location will not result in excessive storm runoff and/or flooding of the adjacent property.
(d) 
Administrative authority.
(1) 
The city will maintain a list of locations where members of the public have requested the installation of speed humps. The list includes the specific street location, the name, address and phone number of the requestor, and the date of request.
(2) 
Upon approval by city council, the city manager will direct the city department(s) install speed humps and such ancillary traffic control devices reasonably necessary to regulate traffic at high traffic public areas.
(3) 
Pursuant to this section, city the will study, assess, qualify and carry out the installation of speed humps based on the eligibility criteria specified herein, including other possible complementary traffic calming devices to mitigate any potential adverse impacts resulting from such installation.
(e) 
Cost responsibility.
City may not design or install a speed hump until it receives at least 60% of the project costs from the abutting property owner(s) and/or a grant or donation. These costs include, but are not limited to, the purchase, delivery, installation of the speed humps and any required signage. City council at its discretion may waive all or part of property owner’s requirement to pay 60% of the project costs.
(f) 
Speed hump removal or alteration.
A request for speed hump removal or alteration must satisfy the eligibility criteria in paragraph (c), review procedure in paragraph (h), and cost responsibility in paragraph (e). If city does not receive the monies required under paragraph (e) within one year of city council approval, the project will be deemed cancelled.
(g) 
Procedures for requesting speed hump installation.
(1) 
A request for the installation of speed humps may originate from one or more residents living on the street proposed for speed hump installation. A written request from a resident or a representative (such as a home owner’s association) must be addressed to:
Speed Hump Program City of Hondo
1600 Ave M
Hondo, Texas 78861
(2) 
City manager, or his designee will make a preliminary determination of eligibility based on traffic data and criteria listed above in “operational characteristics of the street.”
(3) 
If the street is determined to be ineligible based on the eligibility requirements specified herein, the applicant(s) will be notified in writing and given the reason for the determination.
(4) 
The decision of ineligibility may be appealed to the city council within 15 days of notification above. The city council will review the determination and respond to the applicant(s) within 30 days of the appeal.
(5) 
If the street is determined to be eligible for consideration, a meeting will be arranged between the applicant(s) and the city to define the petition area and the approximate speed hump locations. The applicant(s) will then submit a formal petition on forms provided by the city indicating that a mini-mum of three-fourths of the low and moderate density dwelling households on the street support the installation and cost sharing of speed humps. Only petition forms provided by the city or exact duplicates may be used.
(6) 
After verification of the petition, the city will conduct the necessary transportation engineering studies and solicit comments and recommendation from other agencies.
(7) 
If the street is determined to be ineligible for speed hump installation, the applicant(s) will be notified in writing stating the reasons for the determination. This decision may be appealed in the same manner described herein.
(8) 
If the street is determined to be eligible, then:
(A) 
The city will prepare an estimate of the total cost of the speed hump project and the residents’ share of such costs.
(B) 
City will notify property owners within the notification area of the proposed speed hump installation.
(C) 
Within 30 days of the above notice being mailed, if signatures representing twenty percent (20%) or more of property owners within the notification area state objection to the proposed speed hump installation, a public hearing will be held by the city council. The applicant(s) and owners of real property within the notification area will be notified of the public hearing.
(9) 
If approved by city council, the city will contact the affected property owners for payment of the speed hump costs as provided under this section. Upon receipt of payment from property owner(s), city will proceed with scheduling and installation of the speed hump(s). If total payment of the residents’ share has not been received within one year from the date of city council’s approval, the speed hump project for that street will be cancelled. In that event, all monies received from residents, if any, will be returned to the payor.
(Ordinance 1219-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
(a) 
The provisions of this article are intended to establish criteria and procedures for the renaming of a city street and the naming of a city-owned facility. Streets and facilities should generally be named after people, places and events having made a significant impact on the quality of life within the city, and/or events of significance to the city’s development. Proposed names for a street renaming should generally meet one of the following criteria:
(1) 
To commemorate noteworthy persons associated with the city;
(2) 
To commemorate local history, places, events or culture;
(3) 
To strengthen neighborhood identity;
(4) 
To recognize native wildlife or natural features related to the city; or
(5) 
To recognize persons, places, or events of state, national, or international significance.
(b) 
Consideration should be given to names of local areas of historical significance. The following names shall not be used:
(1) 
Names of living persons for streets, other than a recognized national figure;
(2) 
Names of existing streets located in the city;
(3) 
Names which are, and could be considered discriminatory or derogatory, or that express a particular political affiliation; and
(4) 
Names that are may be considered advertising.
(c) 
This article does not apply to the naming of new city streets through the subdivision platting or replat process.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
(a) 
The costs of making and installing all the necessary signage authorized by the city council shall be paid for by the applicants. The city shall compute the costs of making and installation of the signs or plaques, and provide the amount of the costs to the applicants. If the city council approves the street renaming or facility naming the applicants shall pay the full amount of the costs to the city prior to the making of the new signs. Sign maintenance shall be the responsibility of the city.
(b) 
City may at its sole discretion may approve the waiver of the fees and costs for making and installing the approved signage.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
(a) 
After receipt of a completed application for renaming of a street, the city manager shall review the application and submit a recommendation to city council.
(b) 
Criteria for evaluation of a street renaming shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) 
Number of businesses/residents directly affected.
Consideration in this category would focus on the number of properties directly affected; the fewer properties the better.
(2) 
Recognition of community diversity.
Consideration of this criterion would endorse evolving community diversity.
(3) 
Recognition of historical significance.
Consideration of this criterion recognizes the historical significance of existing street names and the importance in recognizing the potential future historical importance to current events and developments.
(4) 
Appropriateness given types of uses along subject street.
Consideration of this criterion would insure reasonable compatibility between land use and street name.
(5) 
Impacts on emergency services.
Consideration of this criterion will ensure that replacement names for existing streets will not result in confusion related to efficient access for emergency purposes.
(6) 
Precedent.
Consideration of this criterion will determine whether an action renaming a street might establish a desirable or undesirable precedent.
(7) 
Continuity and stability.
Consideration of this criterion will evaluate the effect of a renaming request on the public’s general connection with the existing name.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
The following standards will be applied by the city in considering an application:
(1) 
If a portion of a street is proposed to be renamed, the renamed portion shall begin and end at the intersections of major cross-streets.
(2) 
Abbreviations of words or names and initials will not be permitted (excluding suffixes).
(3) 
Single alphabetical characters will not be permitted.
(4) 
Duplicate street names, in sound or pronunciation within Hondo city limits and the city extra territorial jurisdiction will not be permitted.
(5) 
Street names will be easy to pronounce and easily recognizable in emergency situations.
(6) 
No street name shall contain more than twenty (20) characters.
(7) 
Names that may be offensive (slang, double meanings, etc.) will not be permitted.
(8) 
Vanity names will not be permitted.
(9) 
No street name shall contain the words north, south, east, west, or any combination thereof. Those directions are to be used only as a prefix.
(10) 
Street types should not be used as the street name. Example: crossing parkway. Crossing is a street type.
(11) 
Dual street naming is not permitted.
(12) 
A symbol, decimal number, fraction, or roman numeral, other than a whole street number (e.g., 1, 2, 10, 14, etc.) is not permitted.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
(a) 
The procedure for requesting a facility naming or street renaming is initiated with an application (request) filed with the city secretary.
(b) 
The application shall contain:
(1) 
For a proposed facility naming:
(A) 
The existing official name of the city facility, if any; the proposed new name;
(B) 
The name, address, and contact information of each person, group, agency, or entity requesting the facility naming; and
(C) 
A statement of reasons supporting the facility naming; a map with the location.
(2) 
For a proposed street renaming:
(A) 
The existing official name of the street;
(B) 
Proposed new name;
(C) 
The name, address, and contact information of each person, group, agency, or entity requesting the street name change;
(D) 
A statement of reasons supporting the street renaming; a map with the location.
(c) 
A copy of the application and a petition response form shall be sent to all adjacent fronting property owners by the city by certified mail. Owners shall be determined by the current real property ad valorem tax roll. Property owners will have no less than 30 days from the post-marked date to return petition response form to city.
(d) 
If less than 70% of property owners respond favorably to the proposed street name change, the city manager will reject the application and notify the applicant that its request has been denied. If 70% or more of adjacent fronting property owners respond favorably to the proposal, then the city manager will submit the application to city council for its consideration.
(e) 
Prior to taking action on a proposed street renaming application, city council will hold a public hearing. Written notice of the city council public hearing shall be sent to each owner, as indicated by the most recently approved municipal tax roll, of real property and fronting the street or portion of the street that has been proposed to be renamed. Notice shall be sent at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing via first-class U.S. mail and shall contain the proposed street renaming and the date and time of the public hearing. In addition, a notice for street renaming will be listed on the city’s website at least ten (10) days prior to the city council public hearing. Notice shall also be published in the newspaper at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing.
(f) 
A public hearing, newspaper notice, and written notice to adjacent property owners is not required for an application for naming of a city-owned facility. City will place a notice for city facility naming on the city’s website at least ten (10) days prior to the city council taking action on the facility naming application.
(g) 
A simple majority vote of the city council members present may approve a street renaming application or city facility naming application. The city council shall either approve or deny the application based upon the information presented at the public hearing and the report submitted by the city manager. The decision of the city council shall be considered final. If an application for renaming a street or the naming of a city facility is denied by the city council, the applicant will be barred for a period six (6) months from submitting the same or similar application to rename the same street or city facility.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)
(a) 
The city may not design, construct, or erect the street or facility signs approved under this policy, unless the applicant has paid the costs to cover the cost of the design, construction, and erection of the signage. The city may accept a grant or donation to assist in covering the costs of the signage for the city council-approved renamed street or city facility.
(b) 
Upon approval by the city council of the street renaming, the city secretary shall notify all city departments of the renaming, authorize amending the official street maps maintained by the city of the renaming, and post notice of the change on the city’s website, Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the county communications center, and the U.S. postal service shall also be notified by the city secretary. It shall be the property owners’ responsibility to notify their respective utility companies (other than the city), the county tax appraisal district, their mortgage companies, social security administration, lienholders, and any other pertinent entities of the street renaming.
(Ordinance 1218-03-20 adopted 3/9/20)