If you own or operate a public parking lot in Niagara Falls, you must provide accessible parking spaces based on city rules. The number of spaces depends on your lot’s size and when it was built. Follow these guidelines to make parking accessible for everyone.
How many accessible parking spaces do you need?
The requirements for accessible parking spaces are based on By-Law 2019-44.
For new or modified parking lots after April 9, 2019
If your property is under site plan control or you’re applying for a commercial parking lot license, follow these rules:
Capacity of Off-Street Parking Facility | Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces to Be Reserved for Accessibility |
|---|
| 0 - 12 | One (1) |
| 13 - 100 | 4% of the total number of parking spaces, rounding up to the nearest whole number |
| 101 - 200 | 1 + 3% of the total number of parking spaces, rounding up to the nearest whole number |
| 201 - 1,000 | 2 + 2% of the total number of parking spaces, rounding up to the nearest whole number |
| More than 1,000 | 11 + 1% of the total number of parking spaces, rounding up to the nearest whole number |
For parking lots built before April 9, 2019
If your parking lot existed before this date, follow this guide:
| Number of Parking Spaces | Minimum Number of Spaces to Be Reserved For Accessibility |
|---|
| 50 - 99 | 1 |
| 100 - 199 | 2 |
| 200 - 499 | 5 |
| 500 - 999 | 10 |
| 1,000 or more | 10 spaces plus 5 spaces for each additional 1,000 parking spaces or part thereof |
Requirements for each accessible space
Every designated accessible parking space must:
- Have an authorized accessible parking sign displayed and include a $300 fine sign tab directly below the main sign
- Signs must be permanently installed at the front and center of the space, between 1.0 to 1.5 metres from the ground
- Be 3.9 metres (12 feet, 10 inches) wide and 6 metres (19 feet, 8 inches) long
- Have a 1.5-metre-wide access aisle next to it (for spaces created after April 9, 2019)
- Be on a level surface and placed as close as possible to building entrances and exits
- Be marked with white pavement lines and symbols if on a hard surface
- Kept clear of snow and ice
Enforcement and fines
Parking in an accessible space without a valid permit will result in a $300 fine. The City enforces this rule with a zero-tolerance policy.
To request enforcement of a signed accessible parking space, contact Parking Services at 905-356-7521 ext. 4700 or [email protected].
Where to get accessible parking signs for your lot
You can buy authorized accessible parking signs, fine tabs, and posts at the WEGO Transit Facility located at 8208 Heartland Forest Road.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Signs: $40 each + HST
- Fine Tabs: $20 each + HST
- Posts: $60 each + HST
Need an accessible parking permit?
Check out our Accessible Parking Permit page to learn how to apply.
Contact us
Parking Services
MacBain Community Centre
7150 Montrose Road, Unit #1
Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3
Phone: 905-356-7521 x 4700
Parking enforcement after hours: 905-356-1355 evenings and weekends
Email: [email protected]
