Parking problems is a very common issue in communities made up of condos and townhomes. Typically, parking spaces are at a premium and curbside parking can often be restricted. The lack of parking can become a nuisance to homeowners. Homeowner association must ensure they find ways to address and alleviate the stress parking problems can cause for all. Our Tampa condominium management company will offer tips for handling parking issues in this two-part series. Read part two for the rest of the article.
Common Parking Issues You Will Address
It’s sometimes challenging to discuss and answer questions about parking within your homeowner’s association. While the rules regarding parking in each association are different, here are some tips on how to answer common questions. Residents will want to know the following:
- Why can’t I park where I want to park?
- Why are there so many handicap spaces?
- Why isn’t there enough parking?
- Why is my vehicle being towed?
- Why can’t my guests find a parking spot?
- Why do I have to register my car with the association?
Your residents aren’t trying to be a hassle, some just don’t know the community rules for various reasons. This is why it’s important to keep the lines of communications open and to find ways to make the rules known by via email, newsletter, snail mail, and through social media if you have an established online community.
Review Your Bylaws and Regulations
You should never handle community problems by the seat of your pants. Most common issues should be addressed in your corporation documents. When the property was developed, parking areas are typically designated as either general common elements, limited common elements, or in a unit (garage or driveway). The following types of issues and rules should be addressed:
- Is there a restriction on the number of vehicles per residence?
- Are there time limits on parking in common areas?
- Who are the designated parking areas designated for?
- Is parking assigned to specific units or first-come, first-served basis?
- How will commercial vehicles, trailers, boats, and the like be stored?
- How will non-operational vehicles be handled?
- How many handicapped parking spaces will be permitted?
When speaking with homeowners, reiterate to them what the community bylaws and regulations state. If parking isn’t addressed in these documents, it’s time to have them drafted in to eliminate the confusion.
For information about Tampa condominium management, please call us at (813) 968-5665, or submit our proposal request form.