Accessible Parking
We are dedicated to ensuring that drivers with parking placards for persons with disabilities have access and proximity to the services they need.
Many residents and visitors have parking placards for persons with disabilities. In Alberta, these placards are managed by Service Alberta and are generally distributed to individuals who are unable to walk unassisted for more than 50 metres, and who need larger stalls to load and unload devices such as walkers and wheelchairs with unobstructed access to the curb.
The City installs accessible parking zones in front of residences and businesses for exclusive use by people with disabilities. Anyone displaying a valid parking placard for people with disabilities can use a designated accessible parking stall. It is not designated for use by a single person or property. Parking zones are typically 7.5-10 metres long, which accommodates one vehicle.
Requesting the installation of new accessible parking stalls
Accessible parking may be designated on request. Staff will evaluate the area on the following criteria before approval:
| Existing parking restrictions |
| Existing parking or regulatory restrictions that prohibit parking in front of the applicant’s residence or business may impact the ability to accommodate an accessible parking stall. |
| Parking demand |
| Staff will consider the existing on-street parking demand. There should be no other existing accessible parking stalls within 150 meters of the proposed location. |
| Roadway safety |
| No unusual roadway characteristics should be present that may impact entry/exit from the driver side of the applicant’s vehicle, such as curves in the roadway or pavement failures. |
| On-site inspection |
| The City will look at the ability to have accessible parking on the resident's or business’ property. |
Application requirements
To request an accessible parking stall, you are required to provide:
- Proof of residency or business ownership
- Proof of permanent disability and possession of a disability placard
How to Apply
Residents
To request an accessible parking zone in front of your home, please submit an online application. There is no charge to install an accessible parking zone in front of a residence.
Businesses
Property owners/managers for businesses, institutions and apartment complexes can use the online application to submit a request for an accessible parking zone on public property. There is no charge to install an accessible parking zone near a business, institution or apartment complex.
Private property
The City does not provide accessible parking zones on private property. Contact the property owner to request accessible parking.
Frequently asked questions
| What is the cost to have an on-street accessible parking stall installed? |
| Applicants are not charged for the installation and maintenance of the accessible parking stall. In cases where passenger-side entry of the applicant’s vehicle is required, the sidewalk or boulevard in front of the proposed accessible parking stall should be prepared for access at the cost of the home owner prior to installation of the accessible parking stall. |
| Is the City required to provide on-street accessible parking? |
| The City is not legally required to provide on-street accessible parking spaces for persons with disabilities and may approve or deny applications by discretion. |
| How do I get a disability placard? |
| In Alberta, disability placards are managed by Service Alberta, and are generally distributed to individuals who are unable to walk unassisted for more than 50 metres, and who need larger stalls to load and unload devices such as walkers and wheelchairs with unobstructed access to the curb. Visit alberta.ca for more information. |
| Can I obtain an accessible parking stall for a temporary disability? |
| In order to qualify for an accessible parking stall, disabilities must be permanent and certified through the province with proof of certification via registration with placard. Visit alberta.ca for more info. |
| I live on a private street managed by a Home Owner's Association (HOA). Can I obtain an accessible parking stall on the street in front of my home? |
| If the address of the applicant requesting the accessible parking space is on a private street within a development managed by a Home Owner’s Association (HOA), the applicant should contact their HOA to seek the accommodation of an accessible parking stall. |
| When an accessible parking stall is installed, is it permanent? |
| The applicant must submit annual proof of residency and a valid disability placard for the stall to remain in place. Any misuse of the stall may result in its removal. The City may remove any on-street accessible parking stall at any time to improve traffic operations and safety or to accommodate temporary construction. |
| What is the appeal process for non-approved applications or parking spaces that have been removed by the City? |
| The applicant may submit a written appeal to the City for consideration in response to applications not approved or City-initiated removal of an on-street accessible parking stall. Appeals can be emailed to trafficaccom@medicinehat.ca. |