Council refers on‑street disabled‑parking proposal back to committee for further work

Spokane — Council discussed an ordinance addressing on‑street parking for persons with disabilities and staff recommended returning the measure to committee for additional research and design.

Staff described a possible framework: a residential restricted parking program that would include a 72‑hour exemption for disability‑placard holders, neighborhood thresholds (for example, block‑level petition thresholds) and neighborhood votes to establish restrictions. Councilors and staff raised questions about enforcement costs, ADA ramp upgrades triggered by establishing reserved spaces, and whether a self‑funded fee structure would be appropriate.

A council motion to refer the ordinance back to committee was made and seconded; the chair announced the item was referred back to committee for further study and potential future ordinance design.