§ 161-18. Handicapped parking areas.

A. 

Parking in designated handicapped spaces. It shall be unlawful for unauthorized persons to park in places specified for handicapped parking, as defined in MGL C. 90, § 2, in the following areas:

(1) 

Public parking areas.

(2) 

Private parking areas.

B. 

Specified number of reserved handicapped parking spaces. All municipal off-street parking areas shall have the specified number of reserved handicapped parking spaces as enumerated in MGL C. 40, § 21, Subsection 23(a). Said spaces shall have exactly the same size, shape, designation and location as required for private off-street parking areas in Subsection E.

C. 

Handicapped, parking spaces declared tow-away zones. Any vehicle parked in a designated handicapped parking space which does not have the proper distinguishing plates as required by MGL C. 90, § 2, or permit issued by the Board of Selectmen may be removed under the direction of a police officer as directed herein. This section shall apply to both public and private parking areas.

D. 

Fines. The fine for parking in designated handicapped areas is $50.

[Amended 5-6-1991 ATM, Art. 8]

E. 

Handicapped parking: private off-street lots.

(1) 

All private off-street parking areas must contain properly designated parking places for any vehicle owned or operated by a disabled veteran or handicapped person whose vehicle bears the distinguishing license plate authorized by MGL C. 90. § 2, or permit issued by the Board of Selectmen. The appropriate number of spaces is between one and 50 pursuant to the formula provided in MGL C. 40, § 23, Subsection (a).

(2) 

Description. Each space must:

(a) 

Be 12 feet wide or two eight-foot areas with four feet of crosshatch between them.

(b) 

Be identified by the use of above-grade signs with white lettering against a blue background bearing the words:

HANDICAPPED PARKING. SPECIAL PLATES REQUIRED. UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES MAY BE REMOVED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE.

(c) 

Be as near as possible to a building entrance or walkway.

(d) 

Be adjacent to curb ramps or other unobstructed methods permitting sidewalk access to a handicapped person.

(3) 

Responsibility for implementation. The owner or person in possession of the private off-street parking area is responsible for implementing the requirements of this subsection.

(4) 

Violations. Violations of this subsection shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250.

(5) 

Authority to enforce. The Building Inspector shall have the authority to enforce this subsection by actions in the District Court.

Added 1-31-1983 STM, Art. 1