Arnold Council approves new, restricted handicapped parking regulations

Arnold Council approved new regulations governing handicapped parking at homes in the city.

Under the ordinance, residents issued handicapped or severely disabled veteran license plates by the state are eligible to receive permits and have handicapped parking signs placed in front of their homes.

The spaces would be solely for their specific use, and not usable by anyone else with a handicapped parking plate or placard.

Applications will be available from city police. The initial fee is $150.

The police chief will review applications and make a recommendation to city council, which will make a final determination.

The ordinance states that applications will not be approved if off-street parking is available, unless it can’t be used because of a disability.

Those denied a permit will be able to appeal to the mayor and city council.

Approved permits will expire after one year and will have to be renewed. The annual renewal fee is $50. Signs will be removed if not renewed.

Residents who already have handicapped parking signs in front of their homes are required to apply to police for a renewal by June 14 under the new regulations. Such signs will be removed if residents do not apply, the ordinance states.

Those who park in the new handicapped spaces without a permit, even if they have a handicapped license plate, or who submit false applications for a permit could face a fine of up to $300 and 30 days in jail.