§ 23-430. Unauthorized use of parking space designated for handicapped persons.

(a)

It shall be unlawful to park a motor vehicle or any other vehicle in a parking space which has been designated as a parking space for the handicapped on private or public property unless a person operating or using the motor vehicle is physically handicapped under applicable state law, and has been issued the proper parking placard by the State of Missouri. It shall be unlawful for a person to park a vehicle in an area that is not designated for parking when the area is adjacent to a handicapped parking space. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code to the contrary, the minimum fine for violating provisions of this section shall be fifty dollars ($50.00), provided that if the fine is not paid within five (5) days after the violation then there shall be an additional ten ($10.00) fine.

(b)

The owner or person in lawful possession of any off-street parking facility upon notifying the police department, or any police officer, may cause the removal of any vehicle parking in violation of subsection 23-430(a) from a space designated for physically disabled persons if there is posted immediately adjacent to, and readily visible from, such space, or in a conspicuous place at each entrance to the public off-street parking facility, a sign not less than seventeen (17) by twenty-two (22) inches in size with lettering not less than one (1) inch in height, which dearly and conspicuously states the following: "Unauthorized vehicles parked in spaces reserved for physically disabled persons or disabled veterans and not displaying distinguishing placards or license plates issued for physically disabled persons or disabled veterans will be towed away at owner's expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed by contacting the city police department." Any person who parks in a space reserved for physically disabled persons and not displaying distinguishing plates is guilty of an infraction and shall be responsible for the expense of towing and impounding. The police officer may in addition issue a parking ticket to the person or upon the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 09-31, § I, 5-12-09)