Condo Parking Lot Turned into Obstacle Course

J.K. from Fairfield County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Parking in my assigned spot became difficult when a unit owner placed very large planters on the blacktop in an area where I make a turn to get into my space, especially in the winter. Is placing these planters on the blacktop legal?

Mister Condo replies:

J.K., unless they are looking to add an element of danger and driving challenge to your condo experience, I can think of no reason an association would allow obstacles to their parking lot. There may very well be rules in your bylaws that prohibit anything but automobiles being allowed on the common area parking lot but this an area that is under the Board’s full control. Depending on your relationship with your neighbor who has created this issue for you, you could approach them and ask them to remove the planters. If that doesn’t work or if you don’t want to confront your neighbor, simply contact your Board or Property Manager and alert them to the situation. They will likely inform your neighbor to remove the planters. Best wishes!