Lake County Gazette

Condominium owners who require handicapped accessible parking spaces will soon have enhanced protections through legislation sponsored by State Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) that was signed into law on Aug. 9.

Senate Bill 2740 mandates condominium building owners to develop a policy to accommodate unit owners with disabilities who need parking spaces. If a current condominium association does not own or control unit parking, board members must make reasonable attempts to secure an accessible parking spot for a unit owner with a disability.

For new condominium constructions after January 1, 2025, all handicapped accessible parking spaces must remain part of the common elements of a condominium association. Board members are required to provide an accessible parking spot for a unit owner with a disability ahead of non-disabled unit owners.

“This legislation was filed after I learned about a Chicago resident with a disability who could not obtain handicapped accessible parking at his condominium. This individual had to move to a different condominium and then purchase an accessible parking space from someone for $60,000 because the condominium where he lived did not have reserved parking spots for disabled individuals,” said McConchie. “Those living with a disability deserve to live where they want, without barriers such as a lack of accessible parking. I was proud to carry this legislation and was pleased it received unanimous support in the Senate and House.”