Lombard, IL asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Rights for Illinois

Q: Is a parking pass required for disabled parking at a mosque event?

I live near a mosque that was recently completed in my area. They are charging for parking during a holiday event, which is fine. However, my mother is disabled and requires a handicap parking space for closer entry. There are designated disabled parking spaces with signs indicating they are for handicapped individuals. Would my mother still need to buy a parking pass to use a disabled parking spot at this private property, or is this more of a local issue? Also, we haven't contacted the mosque yet to inquire about their parking policy for disabled individuals.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Disabled parking regulations typically apply to both public and private properties, but enforcement can vary based on local laws and the property owner's policies. While disabled parking spaces must be available by law, whether payment is required for those spaces at private events falls into a gray area that depends on your local regulations and the specific policies of the venue.

The mosque may have their own policy regarding disabled parking during events. Many religious institutions waive parking fees for disabled visitors out of consideration, even when charging others during special events. Some places might have different colored passes or designated areas where regular fees don't apply for those with disabled permits.

Your best course of action would be to reach out to the mosque before the event. You could call their administration office, check their website for event information, or email their community relations contact. Explain your mother's situation and ask about their policy for disabled parking during paid events. Most religious communities strive to be inclusive and will likely work with you to ensure your mother can access their event comfortably without additional hardship.

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