1. Any owner of a multiple dwelling which, as of the enactment of this act or at any time thereafter, provides parking to the occupants thereof, and in which a person with a physical disability resides, shall provide parking spaces for occupants who have physical disabilities located at the closest possible proximity to the principal accesses of the multiple dwelling.

A minimum of one percent of the total number of parking spaces provided for the occupants of the multiple dwelling, but not less than one parking space, shall be set aside as parking for persons with physical disabilities. Each space or group of spaces shall be identified with a clearly visible sign displaying the International Symbol of Access along with the following wording: “This space reserved for drivers with physical disabilities.” Where possible, the space shall be 12 feet wide to allow room for a person using a wheelchair, braces, or crutches to get in and out of either side of an automobile onto a level, paved surface suitable for wheeling and walking and shall be located so that a person using a wheelchair, braces, or crutches is not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars. Where applicable, curb ramps shall be provided to permit a person with a physical disability access from the parking area to the sidewalk.

For purposes of this section “physical disability” means a physical impairment for which a person uses a wheelchair, or which causes a person to walk with difficulty or walk insecurely; affects the sight or hearing of a person to the extent that a person functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to danger; causes a person to have faulty coordination; or reduces mobility, flexibility, coordination, and perceptiveness of a person to the extent that facilities are needed to provide for the safety of that person.

L.1985, c.280, s.1; amended 2017, c.131, s.215.