CC MEETING: May 20, 2025
DATE: May 6, 2025
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Heather Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Chrystal Davis, Assistant City Manager
Title
Consider An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Carrollton, Texas, Amending Chapter 133 Of The City Of Carrollton Code Of Ordinances By Revising And Adding Definitions, Revising Prohibited Activities In Parks, Revising Restrictions On The Use Of Motor Vehicles Within Parks, Revising Restrictions Regarding Alcohol In Parks, Creating A Parks Permit Process, Creating A Historic Landmark and Designation Process, And Creating An Adaptive Sports Accessibility Program.
Body
BACKGROUND:
An amendment to Chapter 133 of the City’s Municipal Code (Parks and Recreation) is proposed to incorporate necessary updates that improve clarity, consistency, and alignment across City policies related to parks, recreation, and related programming. Key revisions include updated restrictions on alcohol use, clarification of prohibited activities, and the establishment of new processes for Park Permits, Historical Landmarks and Designations, and Adaptive Sports Accessibility Program. The proposed amendment also includes updated terminology, corrections to grammatical inconsistencies, and additions to the list of defined terms.
Content related to Historical Designations, previously addressed in the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), is being relocated to this chapter. These provisions were removed from the CZO, as they are not zoning-related. Since Historical Designations are reviewed by the Museum and Historic Advisory Committee, placing them within the Parks and Recreation Chapter provides a more appropriate and functional alignment. This move also supports continued recognition and preservation of historically significant sites, structures, places, events, etc.
The amendment further aligns Chapter 133 with other chapters of the Municipal Code and with the Texas Penal Code, especially in areas related to definitions, alcohol regulations, and special event permitting. These changes are meant to streamline enforcement and promote consistent policy application across departments.
Finally, a new section is proposed to address Adaptive Sports Program partnerships, reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
These amendments are also recommended by both the Museum and Historic Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
These changes do not have a direct impact on revenues or expenditures and can be implemented within the scope of the current and proposed budgets.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
The proposed amendments support the City Council’s goals of enhancing quality of life, preserving community character, and promoting inclusivity. By updating policies, adding Adaptive Sports Programs, and relocating Historical Designations, the City strengthens accessibility, cultural preservation, and alignment with state and local regulations-key components of Carrollton’s 2025 Sustainability Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommend approval of the proposed amendments to Chapter 133 to improve clarity, incorporate Historical Designations, add Adaptive Sports provisions, and align policies with the Texas Penal Code and other city ordinances.