- Community Associations, Seasonal and Holidays
- Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Florida
The holiday season brings friends, family, and festive gatherings. For condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations, it can also bring a wave of parking headaches. With increased visitors and limited spaces, associations often face challenges in maintaining order while keeping the spirit of the season alive.
Increased Activity, Limited Parking Space
During the holidays, guest traffic typically spikes. Residents host parties, out-of-town relatives may stay for extended visits, and package delivery vehicles make more frequent stops. In communities where parking is already limited, this increased activity can quickly overwhelm available parking spaces, creating frustration and potential safety concerns.
Encourage residents and their guests to drive slowly, watch for pedestrians, and avoid blocking fire lanes or mail access areas. If applicable, ensure snow and ice are promptly cleared from parking lots and walkways.
Security and Parking Permits
Some associations offer temporary parking permits for guests. This can help track vehicles and prevent unauthorized use of resident spaces. If your community uses a gate or access control system, consider setting up a temporary guest list feature or visitor code that expires after a set period of time.
Associations might also explore designated guest parking zones for short-term use. Clear signage and accessible visitor instructions reduce confusion and discourage residents from using spaces intended for guests.
Reviewing and Reinforcing Parking Rules
Board members and property managers should review the community’s parking policies before the holiday season. Reinforce existing rules, such as restrictions on street parking or overnight guest parking, and communicate them clearly through newsletters, email reminders, or the community website. A proactive reminder helps ensure residents plan ahead while keeping enforcement consistent and fair.
The association’s attorney can also play an important role in helping boards manage parking and guest-related parking challenges. Legal counsel can review and update parking rules to ensure they are enforceable, compliant with local ordinances, and properly adopted under the community’s governing documents. Attorneys can also advise on towing, provide guidance on ticketing policies, and ensure that association parking regulations align with fair housing legislation.
Legal Resource
Effective parking management in community associations during the holiday season requires a balance between enforcement and empathy. Friendly reminders, rather than sudden towing or ticketing, can often achieve compliance without souring the holiday mood.
With sound legal guidance and proactive planning, community associations can navigate the busy holiday season with confidence, helping residents and guests enjoy a stress-free season without turning parking into a holiday nightmare.
Questions about parking rules in your community association, holiday decoration regulations, owner disputes, or other legal issues? Do not hesitate to call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.
Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
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