A.D. from Fairfield County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I live in a 6-unit condo. Each Unit has an assigned parking space and a garage. Space between building and parking spaces is barely enough to turn into a parking space or garage. Unit 1 refuses to use their garage, and instead parks in front of the garage. When Unit 2 backs out of their parking space, there is no room to back into, because Unit 1’s car is in the way.
Parking in front of the garage is also going to cause an immense problem with snow removal. The space between the building and parking spaces is simply not a parking area. How can Unit 1 be forced to use their garage?
Mister Condo replies:
A.D., I am sorry for your parking woes. If only unit owners would do unto others as they would like done unto themselves. Well, since they either never learned that when they were children or just don’t care, it is incumbent upon the Board to see to it that unit owners park properly. Typically, the parking areas are owned by the association, even if the parking spaces themselves are assigned to units. The area in front of the garage is likely owned by the association. The Board can simply create a rule that states there is no parking allowed in front of the garages because that area is owned by the association. Further, any cars that violate this rule will be fined and/or towed at owner expense. Once adopted, the rule then needs to be enforced rigorously by the Board until the parking offenses cease. Generally speaking, the simple adoption of the rule should be enough in a small community like yours. However, if they don’t enforce the rule, chaos will continue to ensue. I hope they get it under control. There is no reason all unit owners shouldn’t have unencumbered access to their garages. Good luck!