Town Installs New Signage for 4-Hour Disabled Parking

Parking is an issue of concern to people with disabilities. Parking in close proximity to one’s destination is often essential to maximize independence and is not a matter of convenience. The Town’s disabled parking inventory consists of 8 spaces in the downtown core and are marked with the blue and white “symbol of accessibility” (wheelchair).

In an effort to balance the parking needs of our community the Town amended the Friday Harbor Municipal Code concerning time limits for “restricted” parking stalls.

A four-hour limit has now been imposed for disabled parking spaces designated by signage and marked with the access symbol enforced between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., except Sundays and certain holidays.

This parking revision is necessary because of concerns best addressed by causing the circulation of vehicles in these highly visible and accessible spaces. Vehicles displaying disabled placards have often parked in those spaces in excess of eight hours, which limits availability to others.

Motorists with placards or special plates are entitled – as before – to park for unlimited periods of time in any on-street space regardless of the posted time limit. This provision does not apply to zones where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited to all vehicles, or areas restricted for special types of vehicles.

All motorists should be reminded that access aisles are a no parking zone for all vehicles, whether the vehicle is displaying a disabled parking permit or not. The fine for obstructing or parking in an access aisle is $450, the same as parking in a disabled place without a placard.

For information regarding this traffic revision or a list of State Law concerning special parking privileges, contact Town Hall at (360) 378-2810.

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