RISING DEMANDS FOR ACCESS
The last decade, specifically the last few years, has brought about many changes that have impacted the parking landscape. In particular, locating available on-street parking in growing neighborhoods has become more competitive and challenging due to increases in:
- Vehicle ownership
- Residential density
- Telework activity
- Nearby commercial/retail activity
- Home delivery services
Parking pain points such as these often result in creating mobility obstacles for people with disabilities. Availability of accessible parking severely impacts the lives of people with disabilities- influencing their decisions of whether to drive, ride, or stay home, and even where to live.
CALL TO ACTION- SHORT TERM SOLUTION
When the pandemic hit , residential areas experienced higher than normal occupancies for on-street spaces. As a response the Temporary ADA program was rolled out as an interim solution to provide a service for those needing ADA parking accommodations near their home. The program served it's purpose, but we aim to do better.
NEW PROGRAM -- COMING SOON FALL 2024
The process for acquiring a permanent ADA sign in residential areas has been reshaped to improve access and advance services. A new Permanent Residential ADA Program will be offered as a resource to accommodate the changing transportation landscape in neighborhoods. The new program is expected to:
- Promote compliance through enforcement services.
- Provide clear regulatory ADA signs
- Offer convenient in-person, mail and web application services.
The intent of this new program is to reduce some of those challenges by ensuring more parking accessibility through the provision of on-street ADA parking stalls in residential areas. City Staff are underway with preparing for the launch. More details to come soon. Please check back on this page for updates.