The City of Delta will create more accessible parking for those with mobility challenges.
A bylaw amendment, given preliminary approval by council this week, would apply to residential and non-residential uses, including civic and public buildings.
Van accessible parking spaces would be required as part of any new development that requires accessible parking.
Of the required accessible parking spaces for a new development, 50 percent would be required as van accessible parking.
Visitor parking for residential uses would require accessible and van accessible parking with the same requirements as non-residential uses including commercial or industrial.
Accessible and van accessible parking spaces would also be required for townhouses that are constructed as adaptable dwelling units.
The total required number of parking spaces is under a separate review for the Scott Road corridor and Ladner Village.
Meanwhile, the required minimum width of accessible parking would be increased.
Delta resident Vincent Miele two years ago addressed council regarding accessible parking, with Miele suggesting that Delta review the City of Richmond's regulations.
A subsequent review, according to staff, found Delta's regulations were largely consistent with, and in some cases exceeded, those of other municipalities, except in relation to van accessible parking.
A report to council notes that while an analysis of the proposed changes shows the total width allocated for parking would only increase marginally, the additional width may pose some challenges for more dense development with underground parking.
However, the changes are consistent with the B.C. Building Code and Delta's goal of being more accessible, the report adds.
Further changes could be added after review by Delta’s new Mobility and Accessibility Committee, which will have its first meeting in a couple of months.
