Tandem Parking Allowed at Condo!

C.P. from Hartford County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I live in a 24-unit building and each unit was sold with one assigned garage parking. The issue is some owners have room if they park outside the designated yellow lines to tandem park 2 cars. It has become an issue and the folks never paid extra for this right or pay higher condo fees just do it. In the by-laws it states one (1) parking stall so that is how they feel they can get around it. But again they have to park outside the yellow lines and block other owner’s access to their storage units, etc. The trustees are stating they are going to have this issue voted on to continue to allow. I am considering legal action since this is detrimental to the value of my unit since I do not have the room in my parking stall. I also have one of the largest units and thus highest monthly common fee.

Mister Condo replies:

C.P., I feel your pain. Parking is a top complaint from condo owners here in Connecticut and across the nation. It is the end result of too many cars per unit. Add in a lack of visitor parking and you have a formula for angry residents and disappointed visitors when it comes to parking. Clearly, the designated lines are used for demarcation purposes and people who are parking outside of those lines are doing so incorrectly. However, rules are open to interpretation and it would appear that your trustees are in favor of this incorrect method of parking. If it is voted upon following the proper procedure that tandem parking is allowed, I suppose you would have little ground to oppose it. Legal action may be your only alternative and I would certainly consider it. Also, I would strongly consider getting out of a community run by trustees who don’t understand a concept as simple as parking between the lines. There is a reason the lines were put in place and you have adequately described it. People have the right to unfettered access to their storage areas and to have a safe and orderly parking area. What’s next? Parking on the common area grass? How about blocking a sidewalk or fire lane? This is foolishness of the highest order. Good luck!