S.B. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Can the condo association deny a request for disability parking especially since the condo is on private property?
Mister Condo replies:
S.B., you may have noticed that there are many questions and answers about disabled and handicapped parking on my website. It is a serious matter, to be sure, but the answer remains the answer. It depends. Generally speaking, since condominiums are private property, there aren’t too many restrictions on how they parcel out their parking lots. If the unit came with deeded parking (a specifically assigned parking space that is part of the deed of the property), then the unit owner has exclusive use of that space or spaces. All other parking is usually owned by the association and can be used as they see fit. If a request for a handicapped space is made of the Board, the Board should review the request and determine if it is reasonable to grant the request. For most associations, since parking is usually in high demand and short supply, they can claim that dedicating association parking for handicapped use creates and undue burden on the association. If the unit owner in question has deeded parking and is simply looking for additional dedicated parking, they are often out of luck. Of course, to be safe, I usually recommend that the Board consult with the association attorney to make sure no local, state, or federal laws are being violated if the Board decided to deny the request for dedicated handicapped parking. Handicapped parking seekers often cite the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as their grounds for requesting the handicapped parking. However, the ADA does not deal with privately owned parking lots such as those found in typical condos. Exceptions are if the association is renting out the clubhouse or has amenities that are also open to the public for a fee. Then the rules change. Other than that, the Board is usually free to use the association-owned parking as they see fit. All the best!