Title
Handicap Parking and Roam Towing (NB)
Explanation
The Public Safety Committee received this referral to review towing policies as it regards towing vehicles that have a handicap placard displayed, and to determine if there are any regulations in towing handicap vehicles from private property. The City Attorney's Office provided an opinion that the City could not prohibit the towing of vehicles displaying a disabled placard or other indicia that is driven by or transporting a disabled person. The state specifically permits the towing of any vehicle from private property that is parked there without the owner's permission, and a prohibition or other restriction on that right would be in direct conflict with state law. Further, the committee discussed the ADA and municipal regulations regarding handicap accessibility and required accommodations.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) accept the committee's report to ask the Towing Advisory Board to look at the discussion of informal policies of the tow companies as it regards handicap towing, and further ask the Equal Opportunity Director to prepare letters to the tow companies informing them of federal and municipal regulations on the ADA accommodations, providing them with information on the heightened sensitivity to these issues; and 2) remove this item from the Public Safety Committee referral list.