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Article Courtesy of The Orlando
Sentinel
By Bethany Rodgers
Published October 4, 2016
Apopka is looking to end its ban on street parking in favor
of a new approach to keeping residential roads clear of cars.
In place of the ban is a plan to allow homeowner associations to craft rules for
curbside parking in their communities.
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The proposal is an attempt
to resolve an ongoing dispute between those who dislike vehicles
cluttering up neighborhood streets and those with more cars than
they can fit in their driveways.
Apopka leaders passed the unusual prohibition in 2012, though at
one point the city stopped enforcing it. Recently, the number of
parking tickets has spiked with a spate of complaints in certain
neighborhoods.
Some residents have argued the street parking ban is
unreasonable, especially for families with multiple drivers. In
addition, many residents in the Piedmont Lakes subdivision feel
the law is unfair because their homes were built with small
garages and short driveways.
Piedmont Lakes residents displeased with parking regulations
Residents of Piedmont Lakes in Apopka are unhappy with parking
regulations that were passed in 2012 but have only suddenly been
enforced. Residents are unable to park in the street while
garages and driveways are too small to accommodate for their
cars. |
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Residents of Piedmont Lakes in Apopka FL, like Bob Baird,
are unhappy with the newly enforced parking regulations. Street parking
is prohibited. Yet residents' driveways and garage space are too small
to accommodate for their cars.
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The current proposal grew from a series of meetings held by a citizen committee
steered by police representatives. Residents commented on the draft Monday
night, and police Chief Mike McKinley said they'll look at making revisions
before presenting a final version to the City Council.
Allison Varble, a Piedmont Lakes resident, said the new proposal is still too
restrictive because it forbids parking in a cul-de-sac and within 12 feet of a
driveway.
"We pay our taxes, and we have nowhere to park," the frustrated homeowner said.
The measure prohibits leaving cars too close to a fire hydrant or in a place
that blocks mail delivery or trash pickup. It also regulates the parking of
trailers and RVs. The fine for a parking infraction would be $40 fine under the
proposal. Those fined would have five days to pay or request a hearing.
McKinley said the final draft of the parking ordinance likely will come before
the council in late October or early November. |
