Leesburg staff recommends removing nine paid parking spaces on Loudoun Street to improve emergency access

Staff presented a recommendation to remove nine paid on‑street parking spaces on Loudoun Street between King and Church streets after a request from the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company. Transportation engineer Neeraja Chindrapu told council that the roadway segment is roughly 26.5 feet face‑to‑face and carries about 8,900 vehicles per day, and that parked vehicles and short‑duration deliveries create encroachment into opposing lanes that can obstruct emergency apparatus.

Chindrapu cited Loudoun County Fire & Rescue guidance and what she identified as "Fire Protection Code section 4.81," saying local practice indicates a face‑to‑face width under 28 feet is not sufficient to allow parking on one side for safe fire apparatus access. Staff reported seven reported crashes on the segment from Jan. 22, 2022 to July 2025 (70% sideswipe; all property damage) and noted some minor incidents may not be reported. The presentation included photos of vehicles encroaching into travel lanes.

Staff estimated the town would forgo about $4,500 in annual paid‑parking revenue if the nine spaces were removed. Chindrapu recommended removing the nine paid spaces, with implementation limited to painting/striping changes and removal of ParkMobile signage; she added the recommendation "should not set a precedent" for narrow residential streets. The Residential Traffic Commission reviewed the data and supported the removal.

During Q&A, council members raised business concerns about delivery and loading zones; staff said they were not recommending removal of existing loading zones because observed loading events are short in duration and the loading zones remain operational. Councilors discussed whether nearby streets (King Street, Market Street) meet dimensional criteria; staff said the other segments reviewed meet or exceed the 28‑foot threshold and were not flagged by fire/rescue.

The mayor asked whether four councilors would support placing a resolution on the next meeting agenda. Council agreed to place the item on the next agenda so council can vote on staff's recommendation.