April 2017
Parking space is a scarce resource in many condo buildings.
Some buildings lack sufficient space for resident parking. In other buildings the problem may be insufficient parking to accommodate visitors.
While neighbouring condo buildings may have excess parking space available, they may be unwilling to make the space available for use by non-residents or guests of their building.
There are ways to make more effective use of this scarce resource. It requires a better way to allocate use of available parking spaces.
Identify the Problem
The problem may be a shortage of permanent parking spaces, a shortage of visitor parking spaces or abuse of parking privileges.
Establish Rules
Condo corporations can revise rules or bylaws to better manage its parking space resources.
Use of resident parking spaces may be limited to residents who have registered their vehicle with the management office and provided a copy of valid insurance and registration. This can prevent use of parking spaces for storage of vehicles that are not drivable.
Rules can be tailored to encourage residents to make permanent arrangements for parking their vehicle(s) rather than relying on extended use of visitor parking.
Limits can be placed on use of visitor parking. A parking permit can be required for each vehicle parked in visitor parking. Limits can be placed on the number of overnight visitor parking permits allowed per suite per month. Additional limitations may include maximum number of days or hours per permit.
There will always be situations where extended use of parking spaces may be warranted. These can be allowed on an exception basis.
Enforce Rules
Parking rules only have value if enforced.
Enforcement of parking rules can free up parking spaces improperly used by residents or their guests. This allows limited parking spaces to be used for their intended purpose.
A condo building with security or a superintendent may task that individual to check the parking area one or more times a day. This individual may have responsibility for contacting parking enforcement or a towing company when warranted. Outside services may be available to issue parking tickets or arrange for towing of improperly parked vehicles.
Record Keeping
All vehicles with permanent parking rights (non-visitor parking) should be on record.
For visitor parking, one approach is to maintain a record of all visitor parking vehicles in a log. Providing each vehicle with a Parking Permit, including vehicle information and parking rights, simplifies enforcement.
A preferred approach to parking control management is to utilize existing technology platforms for this purpose. Most condo management software includes this feature. Entering the information into an electronic system is faster, provides improved record keeping and allows management to identify those making the most use of limited visitor and resident parking space. Once information is entered into the system, an easy to read Parking Permit can be printed for placement in all vehicles making use of visitor and resident parking.
While some may consider tighter enforcement of visitor or resident parking as problematic, it does help ensure that all residents are treated fairly when access to parking is limited.
