Homer Glen adopts residential disabled-parking permit program with application, signage and penalties

Homer Glen trustees adopted an ordinance to establish restricted residential handicap/disabled parking zones in the village, a new mechanism for residents who cannot safely use their driveways to request a posted on-street space adjacent to their home.

Under the ordinance, applicants must provide a disabled placard or plate issued by the Illinois Secretary of State (or be a disabled veteran with equivalent documentation) and must articulate a demonstrated hardship — for example, the need to load or unload a wheelchair-capable van when a driveway cannot accommodate the vehicle. The village manager or their designee will review applications and, if approved, public works will erect numbered signs indicating the authorized zone for a set duration. The ordinance ties each sign to a permit number.

During discussion, the village attorney said staff envisions an application fee of roughly $150 with an annual renewal; the board also discussed enforcement, including a starting penalty of $500 for violations (a maximum fine figure was stated in the transcript and discussed by trustees). Trustees emphasized that the process must avoid discrimination and rely on a clear hardship standard and staff discretion.

Trustees voted by roll call to adopt the ordinance. The village attorney said staff will publish application requirements and the process for signage and renewal.

The ordinance does not replace facility- or business-level accessible parking regulations; it creates a narrowly targeted residential remedy for verified hardships. Staff was asked to implement an application form, fee process, and annual renewal cycle.