Downtown

There are a number of dedicated, on-street accessible parking spaces in the downtown, reserved for holders of a valid accessible parking decal. As of September 2023, this includes:

• City Hall (both the Stanley Street and Ward Street accesses)
• 403 Front Street
• 500 block of Lake Street
• 100 block of Hall Street
• 500 block of Vernon Street (south side, by Josephine)
• 717 Vernon Street (seniors centre)
• Nelson Medical Clinic (Hendryx Street)
• Each block of Baker Street
• Kootenay Place (Victoria Street, at Stanley)
• Kootenay Medical Centre (601 Kootenay Street)
• Hall Street, at the Adventure Hotel (corner of Vernon Street)
• 400 block of Josephine Street, at the north-east corner of Baker

Accessible Parking Signage Request in Residential Areas

If you are living with a disability, you may submit a request to the City to have a designated on-street accessible parking space installed in front of your home. 

To apply, submit a letter of request to the Department of Development Services & Climate Leadership indicating your name, address, contact information, the rationale for your request, a precise description of where you would wish the parking signage to be installed, and any other relevant information (for example, but not required: neighbour support). You must also provide a photocopy of your valid SPARC BC permanent parking permit for people with mobility limitations. Applications for a holder of a temporary parking permit (one to 12 months) will not be considered due to the inevitable processing, signage ordering, and signage installation time and associated costs. 

City staff will evaluate your request at the next internal meeting on parking and will inform you of their decision. In making a decision on your application, staff will primarily take into consideration the following: 

1. A demonstrated need for a dedicated accessible parking stall (does the applicant have off-street parking, and if so, why is their own private parking stall inadequate?) in order to maintain a reasonable quality of life; and 
2. Street configuration, existing parking restrictions on the block, the Motor Vehicle Act, and any other relevant technical or safety aspect. Note that on-street parking for people with disabilities cannot be established in an area already restricted as ‘No Parking’ or ‘No Stopping’. 

If your application is approved, the work order to install new signage will be placed in the queue.  

There are several limitations and conditions: 

1. An accessible stall in front of your house is not reserved for your exclusive use only. Any vehicle with a valid Accessible Parking Permit may use the stall on a first-come-first-serve basis. Any vehicle without such a permit may be ticketed, even if it is your own or that of a friend or family member visiting you. 
2. On-street parking designated for people with disabilities does not exempt a vehicle from other parking regulations, including residential permits and the odd/even winter parking restrictions. If the proposed stall is located within a residential parking permit zone, a residential parking permit is required in addition to the accessible parking permit. 
3. By submitting an application, you agree to immediately inform the City of Nelson if you move from your current residence or no longer require the accessible parking stall.
4. The City reserves the right to temporarily or permanently remove the parking stall for any reason (including but not limited to infrastructure needs, safety hazards, infrequent use, or reoccurring abuse of the space).