Architectural Access Board dismisses townhouse parking complaint; Concord commission to seek signage and follow up on Valley Sports complaint

The Concord Commission on Disability heard that the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB) dismissed a complaint asking that one parking space by a townhouse be designated as handicap accessible because the AAB said it lacked jurisdiction: the off-street area has fewer than the 15-space threshold the AAB cited.

Jean (Chair, Commission on Disability) read the AAB finding aloud: the AAB “said that they have jurisdiction over, quote, off street parking if the number of parking spaces in any such area is 15 spaces or more, end quote,” and because the private parking area has only two or three spaces, the AAB dismissed the complaint.

Commission members and participants discussed alternative options. Building-code and site-constraint concerns were raised: the building inspector’s assessment (reported to the commission) said the existing spot is too narrow and on the wrong side of the driveway to provide legally required wheelchair access and the necessary adjacent access apron, meaning it cannot meet the technical specifications for a federally compliant accessible parking stall. Several commissioners said the practical need remains, especially for people using walkers or with limited mobility.

Commissioners discussed informal approaches used elsewhere in town, such as churches posting temporary or paper signs reading “please reserve this space for people who need to be close to the building” on Sundays or for events. The commission agreed to pursue a town-level approach rather than seek code relief from the AAB: staff (Jess/Jessica) will follow up with town departments to request consideration of signage or other accommodations that would reserve the space for people who need close access without designating a formally noncompliant accessible stall. The commission also agreed to include the issue on a future agenda so members can monitor progress.

Separately, the commission reviewed a complaint about Valley Sports, where photographs suggest the business lacks the number of accessible spaces required by code (the business should have six accessible spaces but appears to have two). The commission recorded that Valley Sports must respond to the complaint, either by adding accessible stalls or seeking a variance. The commission said it will monitor the outcome and may offer assistance or receive a variance request in the future.

The commission did not take a formal vote on a town-request motion but directed staff to follow up and return with status at the next meeting.