Accessible Parking and Motor Vehicles Ordinance

At a glance

• What: Proposed amendments to BMCC Article 24-441 through 24-443.1, 24-445, 24-1004, 24-1007, 24-1008, and 24-1011 to align accessible-parking provisions with state law. Includes $250 fine for accessible-parking violations and increases vehicle boot fee from $50 to $200.
• Where it stands: First reading passed 10-1 on October 12, 2026; Councilmember Neese opposed. Earlier approved for presentation to Council on October 5.
• Next: Second reading expected at a future regular meeting.

Details

Proposed Changes

• Replacement of outdated terminology to align with state law
• Clarification that access aisles are not parking spaces
• Accessible-parking violation fine: $250 (uniform amount)
• Vehicle boot fee increase: from $50 to $200
• Updates to clarify signage and access-aisle restrictions
• Address use of accessible-parking permits in City-owned metered spaces, parking garages and lots

Parking Manager's Rationale

Parking Manager Scott explained that one consistent violation amount avoids uncertainty when multiple enforcement methods are used. Qualified permit holders remain eligible for parking accommodations, including applicable time-limit and payment exemptions. Automated garage systems have methods for verifying those permissions.

Three-business-day period for presenting valid permit allows automatic ticket voidance; longer citation appeal period provides opportunity to address expired or improperly displayed credentials.

Council Concerns and Discussion

October 5, 2026 (Work Session):

• Council concern: flat $250 fine may not deter habitual violators as effectively as graduated penalties
• Recommendation: allow Council to adjust fee amounts by resolution rather than requiring future ordinance amendments
• Acknowledgment: ordinance needs updates to comply with state law

October 12, 2026 (Regular Meeting):

• Councilmember O'Donnell questioned whether three-business-day period for presenting valid accessible-parking placard should be extended before appeal required
• Councilmember Neese objected to placing specific fee amounts in ordinances rather than resolutions

Vote (October 12, 2026)

First Reading, Ordinance amending Articles 24-441 through 24-1011

• Vote: 10-1
• In favor: Shaw, Nicholson, Pitman, Aguirre, Kennedy, Aspenlieder, Lindley, Boyett, O'Donnell, Mayor Nelson
• Opposed: Neese

Sources

• Minutes (work session, October 5): https://destinyhosted.com/bilmtdocs/2026/CCWS/20261005_2024/2039_10052026WSSummary.pdf
• Minutes (regular meeting, October 12, DRAFT): https://destinyhosted.com/bilmtdocs/2026/CC/20261012_2034/2049_10122026DRAFTMinutes.pdf
• Agenda (October 12): https://public.destinyhosted.com/24568/agenda/agenda.cfm?seq=2049

Log

2026-10-12 - City Council

First reading of ordinance amending BMCC Articles 24-441 through 24-1011 (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) passed 10-1. Councilmember Neese opposed, objecting to placing specific fee amounts in ordinances. Councilmember O'Donnell questioned the three-business-day period for permit presentation. No public testimony given.

2026-10-05 - City Council Work Session

Parking Manager Scott outlined proposed amendments updating City Code to state and federal accessible parking requirements. Recommended uniform $250 fine and increase boot fee from $50 to $200. Council discussion included concerns about effectiveness of flat penalties and recommendation to allow fee adjustment by resolution. Motion to bring to future regular business meeting passed 9-1.

2026-10-26 - City Council Regular Business Meeting

Second and final reading of the traffic code ordinances (24-441 et al.) was on the agenda; result not yet recorded.