HOAs across the nation (and really, across the planet) face a similar problem in parking: There isn't enough of it. Not enough to comply with HOA appearance-based parking rules and sometimes not enough with lenient parking policies.
Why? Cars and families have gotten bigger. Many (if not most) HOAs were built by contractors with a tidy size in mind. Garages are not spacious. Driveways are narrow and short. Families often have two or more cars and - on top of this - need some of their garages for indoor-outdoor storage like lawnmowers and camping gear.
There is always overflow and parking violations in a neighborhood where you can only park in the garage or just garages and driveways. It's time for HOAs to rethink their policies on a practical scale to solve the widespread parking problem. So let's take a solution-based look at each of the elements of the HOA parking problem.
Garages Used for Parking
The first problem is that people need to use their garages for storage and parking. No one wants a garage inspection, but some items can only best be stored in the garage - neither indoors nor exposed to the weather. What's the solution?
Allow Garage Expansions
Allow your homeowners to conduct garage expansions. Pop-outs, for example, can add a critical few extra feet to the width of a garage for storage and workshop space. Instead of altering the driveway, expanded garages free up space for cars by creating more storage and pedestrian garage space.
Permit Backyard Shed Construction
Allow backyard sheds. Many HOAs do not allow sheds as a blanket policy, but times change. There are some very attractive (and thematically consistent) sheds, and this provides homeowners with the ability to store their indoor-outdoor items and make room for cars in the garage.
Driveway Parking Blocks the Sidewalk
What if your community driveways are short? You might permit driveway parking, but cars obscure the sidewalk path, which is inconvenient for pedestrians and dangerous for disabled pedestrians. What can you do?
Paint the Sidewalk Lines
A little paint goes a long way. Paint bold, visible lines marking the path wherever a sidewalk crosses a driveway. This will give a clear marker for residents entering their driveways to see if they have pulled up far enough not to block the path.
It's a great idea to bust out the long-lasting paint to mark your sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the neighborhood. Create an attractive and color-coded pattern that makes the community look fresh and increases safety for both able and disabled pedestrians to enjoy.
Use Incentives and Penalties for Blocking the Sidewalk
Provide incentives or rebates for homeowners who never block the sidewalk. Conversely, apply warnings and slow-building fines for drivers who block the sidewalk. Be sure to mention how vital a clear sidewalk is for child and handicap safety in the neighborhood.
Oversized Personal Vehicles
Some personal vehicles are neither "oversized trucks" nor small enough to fit in a small garage or short driveway. So consider what kind of solutions are available, like permitting, to accommodate these drivers.
Extra Cars Parked on the Street
HOA streets are typically not wide enough for crowded street parking. It can be dangerous. But you also need to be able to allow for guests and exceptions. After all, lives just like cars are not cookie-cutter identical.
Sell Parking Permits
Consider selling a certain number of permits per street for street parking. Sell them by the day, week, or year depending on expected scheduling. This can allow for a third family car, a handicapped van that doesn't fit in the driveway, and visiting guests.
Also, allow people to plan - or book last minute - for their own extra parking needs.
Many HOA residents will happily take on independent permitting instead of warnings and fines.
[Continued in Part 2]
Carolyn Thacker
Katie Vaughan
