It will be a little easier to find an accessible van parking spot within the City of Delta.
Council last week approved a bylaw amendment to increase the accessibility of parking by adding requirements for van accessible parking where accessible parking is required, as well, add a requirement for residential visitor parking to include accessible parking.
Of the required accessible parking spaces for a new development, 50 percent will be required as van accessible parking at a width of 11 feet.
Accessible and van accessible parking spaces would need to be labelled as such with painting on the pavement, as well as signage.
A report to council notes the bylaw amendment is consistent with policies in Delta's Official Community Plan when it comes to increased accessibility.
A public hearing will be waived.
The changes would also make Delta's regulations more consistent with other municipalities in Metro Vancouver, the report adds.
The Mayor's Task Force for Building Permits and Development Applications and the new Mobility and Accessibility Committee endorsed the proposal.
During council’s discussion last Monday, Mayor George Harvie said, when it comes to enforcement, it is infuriating to see people who are able-bodied but using mobility passes for their vehicles.
“It bothers me when I see people bounce out of their car and they’ve taken a handicap spot. To me, it’s just total, total ignorance,” he said.
