SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE NO. BL2010-734

WHEREAS, the June 2009 report from the Mayor’s Green Ribbon Committee on Environmental Sustainability recommended that the Metropolitan Government issue window stickers providing free meter parking for clean technology vehicles, including those powered by electricity, electric hybrid, and biofuel; and

WHEREAS, other major U.S. cities have adopted similar programs to encourage the purchase and use of environmentally friendly vehicles, and these cities have found success with such programs; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council desires to implement the Green Ribbon Committee’s recommendation regarding free parking for clean technology vehicles through the adoption of a pilot program to enable clean technology vehicles to park at certain parking meters within the boundaries of the Downtown Central Business Improvement District; and

WHEREAS, the pilot program established pursuant to this Ordinance, which includes a one year sunset provision, will provide an opportunity to examine the effectiveness of the program and its impact on the operations of the Metropolitan Government.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Chapter 12.44 of the Metropolitan Code is hereby amended by adding the following new Section 12.44.070:

12.44.070 Free metered parking for clean technology vehicles.
A. For purposes of this ordinance, “clean technology vehicle” means a vehicle rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a minimum Environmental Performance Score for both Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution of 7, and a total combined score of 16 or higher. A vehicle’s Environmental Performance Score can be determined by inputting the vehicle’s information into the Green Vehicle Guide located at http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12.44.040, no parking payment shall be required for a clean technology vehicle parked in a parking metered space located within the boundaries of the Downtown Central Business Improvement District, as designated by Section 2.177.010 of the Metropolitan Code, for a duration not to exceed the posted time limit on the meter if the vehicle is displaying a valid sticker issued by the Davidson County Clerk designating the vehicle as a clean technology vehicle. The County Clerk shall determine the proper place on the vehicle to which the sticker is to be affixed so as to maximize visibility for the benefit of the parking patrol officers.
C. The Davidson County Clerk shall have the authority and responsibility for issuing clean technology vehicle stickers for qualifying motor vehicles. The clean technology vehicle stickers shall only be available for private passenger vehicles. Each sticker shall be valid for a period of one (1) year and shall be issued at the time the motor vehicle is registered. The County Clerk shall be entitled to collect an annual fee of ten dollars ($10.00) from the applicant for each clean technology vehicle sticker issued. All fees collected for the clean technology vehicle stickers shall be deposited in the general fund of the general services district to assist in offsetting the administrative costs incurred by the County Clerk for issuance of the stickers and enforcement of the ordinance by the Department of Public Works.
to offset the administrative costs of preparing and issuing the sticker.
D. Every motor vehicle owner seeking to obtain a clean technology vehicle sticker shall complete a form supplied by the County Clerk including the vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine size, and whether the vehicle has a standard or automatic transmission. The County Clerk’s office shall determine eligibility for designation as a clean technology vehicle by inputting the vehicle’s information into the Green Vehicle Guide located at http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.
E. The provisions of this section pertaining to the issuance of parking stickers for clean technology vehicles shall become effective July 1, 2011, and shall expire and be null and void on June 30, 2013, unless extended by resolution of the council of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. This provision, commonly known as a "sunset provision," is included to ensure that the effectiveness and necessity of this section is reviewed by the metropolitan council after its adoption. In determining whether the provisions of this section should be extended, the Council shall consider the following information: (1) the number of vehicles eligible for a clean technology vehicle sticker at the time this section is enacted; (2) the number of clean technology vehicle stickers issued in fiscal years 2012 and 2013; (3) the measurable impact on air quality resulting from any increase in the number of clean technology vehicles within the area of the Metropolitan Government; and (4) the cost of enforcement and administration of this section.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Public Works shall take the appropriate action necessary to educate parking patrol personnel regarding the provisions and enforcement of this Ordinance.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Ordinance to the Director of Public Works and to the Interim Chief of Police.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its enactment, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jason Holleman, Mike Jameson, Erik Cole

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	August 3, 2010
Passed First Reading:	August 3, 2010
Referred to:	Traffic & Parking Commission - Approved 6-0 Budget & Finance Committee Traffic & Parking Committee
Deferred:	August 17, 2010
Deferred to November 16, 2010:	September 21, 2010
Deferred:	November 16, 2010
Substitute Introduced:	December 7, 2010
Passed Second Reading:	December 7, 2010
Passed Third Reading:	December 21, 2010
Approved:	December 22, 2010
By: