On-Street Accessible Parking Spaces
Accessible parking spaces are available in both commercial areas and residential areas. Drivers should exercise caution when exiting their vehicles since the driver’s side is adjacent to moving traffic.
Accessible parking spaces located in building parking lots are regulated by the provincial Building Accessibility Act and Regulations. On-street parking spaces do not fall under the Building Accessibility Act regulations. Instead, these are implemented based on traffic patterns and demand in an area, while they are enforced under City By-Laws.
Commercial Areas
On-street accessible parking can be found in commercial areas where on street parking exists (i.e. Water Street, Duckworth Street, etc.). The City is working toward having all on-street accessible spaces in business areas serviced by a low back and curb cut.
Feedback or requests for new accessible parking spaces can be directed to Access St. John’s.
Residential Areas
Accessible on-street parking permits are issued to residents who do not have access to off-street and meet the following criteria:
- You must have a designated Accessible Parking Permit from the provincial government.
- You must be the driver yourself or a wheelchair user.
- There must not be an accessible parking space on your property.
- There must be sufficient room adjacent to your property to accommodate a parking space with no parking restrictions currently in place.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for an accessible on-street parking permit.
Special Event Accessible Parking
City events typically provide designated accessible parking on a first-come, first-serve basis. A valid accessible parking permit must be displayed. The City collaborates with private operators to ensure accessible parking is available during City-approved events. These will be identified by accessible parking signage.
Pedestrian Mall: Accessible Parking and Bus Stop locations can be found on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall Parking and Transportation Map.
Enforcement
The City honours all valid accessible permits issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and other Canadian provinces and territories. The City does not issue its own accessible parking permits.
Enforcement of on-street spaces and City parking lots falls under the Ticketing Amendment By-Law, with a minimum fine of $700 for parking without a permit. On private property enforced by the City, violations are addressed under the Highway Traffic Act, with a minimum fine of $400. Properties owned by the Provincial or Federal Government are not enforced by the City.
Reporting Violations
To report a parking violation (e.g., parking without a valid permit), contact Access St. John's. City parking enforcement must witness and document the violation to issue a ticket; tickets cannot be issued based on submitted photos. Responding to accessible parking violations is a priority for enforcement staff.
On-Street Winter Accessible Parking Impacts
In downtown St. John’s, snow clearing presents challenges due to narrow streets and high traffic. Snow removal operations occur overnight and can affect on-street accessible parking immediately following snowfall. Learn more about Winter Parking, Downtown Snow Removal and Sidewalk Snow Clearing.
