Ocoee resident says new no-parking signs block his home; officials cite safety, promise review

Christopher Brooks, a resident of 631 Sherwood Oak Circle, told the Ocoee City Commission on May 6 that no-parking signs installed outside his home three months ago prevent his family and visitors from parking nearby and were placed without adequate notice.

Brooks said the signs were installed after a neighbor parked “3 to 5 vehicles along the side of our neighbor's residence,” which he said caused traffic obstruction and created safety problems at a dimly lit curve. “These signs only target my residents and prevent our visitors from parking closer to the family house,” Brooks said, asking that the city remove the sign in front of his house or remove the block of signs entirely.

Public Works Director Steve Krug told the commission he needed to review the specific location. “I'm gonna have to look into it,” Krug said, adding that staff would “find out what went on.” The police chief said code enforcement responded to an initial parking complaint and placed no-parking signs to address a vehicle blocking a driveway; staff found that placing signs at that spot created displacement and a new hazard elsewhere in the curve.

Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement options, including stepped fines and towing. City code enforcement staff described the work as “cat and mouse” because vehicles are often moved before officers arrive; the enforcement goal, they said, is compliance rather than automatic fines. Commissioners and staff discussed creating stronger penalties or a different enforcement model, noting that Orlando uses a parking-enforcement authority that can tow immediately and place boots after repeat infractions.

City staff agreed to re-inspect the location and attempt to catch repeat offenders and to coordinate police and public-works responses. At the meeting, Commissioner George said he had asked staff and the police chief to review the situation and “see if we can make some kind of concession to at least remove the sign from their house.” Code Enforcement Board Chair Joe Vander, speaking from the public, later said the board considers repeat violations when recommending fines or adjustments to penalties.

The commission did not adopt a code change at the meeting. City staff told commissioners they would return with an agenda item presenting enforcement options ranging from modest additional penalties to significantly harsher measures, including possible towing policies and higher fines.