Bulverde council approves no-parking ordinance along FM 1863

Bulverde’s city council voted to approve an ordinance designating a no-parking zone along FM 1863 from U.S. Highway 281 to Whitey Road and to authorize placement of no-parking signage subject to Texas Department of Transportation approval.

Staff introduced the proposal, noting the change would include a portion of the U.S. 281 right-of-way and require coordination with TxDOT. “We have had a meeting with TxDOT about adding a no-parking sign to that section,” the staff presenter said, and reported TxDOT had agreed verbally while the city awaited written confirmation.

Council members pressed staff on enforcement and penalties, asking whether the fine—set as a not-to-exceed amount in the ordinance—and towing authority would deter vendors or illegal parking. A staff member referenced state law and said local law enforcement has authority to order removal of vehicles when there is a public-safety hazard, citing the relevant transportation-code provision.

A motion to approve the ordinance passed without a recorded roll call; the presiding official announced the motion carried. The council directed staff to obtain written authorization from TxDOT for sign placement and to clarify which law-enforcement agencies would enforce the new restriction.

The ordinance’s adoption follows months of complaints about roadside parking being used for informal vending and creating safety problems on the shoulder of FM 1863. Officials said signage and enforcement are intended to reduce unsafe roadside activity while TxDOT finalizes placement of signs.