§ 10-102. Transporting hazardous materials.

(a)

No person shall operate any vehicle transporting any hazardous materials unless, at the time of such transportation, there is displayed upon each side and the rear of the vehicle, a sign in letters not less than three (3) inches in height upon a background of sharply contrasting color, which shall specifically designate the cargo. Emergency information such as emergency telephone numbers along with the appropriate symbol(s) according to N.F.P.A. Standard No. 704m shall be displayed in an approved manner.

(b)

A "Hazardous Materials Route" for the sole purpose of transporting any and all hazardous materials is hereby designated and shall include the following: State Highway 35 (Main Street), State Highway 288 (Nolan Ryan Expressway), Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Parkway), and the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) rail line. No person shall cause any vehicle transporting hazardous materials to travel any routes other than the ones established herein, except as follows:

(1)

Vehicles delivering or picking up hazardous materials to or from commercial and industrial complexes may travel the nearest and most direct public roadway to said complex.

(2)

Vehicles containing hazardous materials that are operated by local businesses, may travel the nearest and most direct public roadway to said place of business.

(c)

Vehicle parking. Except in an emergency, no vehicle transporting hazardous materials shall be left unattended on any street, highway, alley or parking lot; provided, that this shall not prevent the driver or operator from the necessary absence from said vehicle in connection with the delivery or pick up of load, except that during actual discharge of said hazardous materials, some responsible person shall be present at said vehicle; nor shall it prevent stops for meals during the day or night; provided, that said vehicle be parked in a safe manner; nor shall it prevent said vehicle from being parked for any reason at an area approved by the fire marshal.

(Ord. No. 606, § 1, 3-25-91; Ord. No. 857, § 7, 7-27-98)