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On-Street Accessible Parking Zone (Blue Curb) Program
Los Angeles County Public Works reviews requests for On-Street Accessible Parking Zones, formerly known as “blue curbs,” in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
An On-Street Accessible Parking Zone is a designated parking space located within the public right of way for vehicles displaying a valid California DMV-issued disabled person placard or disabled person license plate. The program is intended to improve accessibility for eligible residents who do not have access to a reasonably accessible off-street parking option.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- On-Street Accessible Parking Zones are located within the public right of way and remain public property. They are not private or reserved parking spaces.
- Installation of an On-Street Accessible Parking Zone does not create an ownership interest, exclusive right, reserved parking privilege, or permanent entitlement to any portion of the public right of way.
- Any vehicle lawfully displaying a valid disabled person placard or disabled person license plate may park in an On-Street Accessible Parking Zone on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Applicants are responsible for addressing accessibility limitations that exist on private property. Inaccessibility resulting from existing site conditions, including steep slopes, driveways, narrow or uneven pathways, or other private property constraints, does not by itself justify the installation of an On-Street Accessible Parking Zone. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on eligibility, existing conditions, engineering judgment, and applicable accessibility requirements.
- The implementation of blue curbs will be dependent on the existing accessibility of public infrastructure at or near the proposed location. If the existing infrastructure does not meet the latest accessibility standards under the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and other applicable regulations, installation may be delayed or deemed infeasible until accessibility improvements are made.
Who Can Apply?
Residents of unincorporated Los Angeles County may apply if they meet the following:
- Must be a full-time resident of the address where the zone is requested (proof required).
- Must have a valid DMV-issued permanent disabled person placard or license plate registered to that address. (Temporary placards do not qualify)
- Do not have access to reasonably accessible off-street parking options.
- Meets the eligibility requirements stated in the program guidelines.
For apartments, permitted accessory dwelling units, condominiums, and townhomes, applicants must show that all on-site parking options have been exhausted and that the property owner, property management, or association is unable to provide a reasonably accessible on-site parking option.
When Will an Application Not Be Approved?
An application will not be approved if:
- A driveway or garage is available for the applicant’s use.
- A driveway or garage is used for storage or has been made inaccessible due to unpermitted work.
- The applicant only has a temporary disabled person placard.
- There is not enough curb space, roadway width, or sidewalk accessibility for proper installation.
- Existing conditions, such as driveways, bus stops, storm drains, utility poles, trees, grass parkways, or other obstructions, prevent a safe and accessible path of travel.
What is the Review Process?
Before applying, applicants should review the program guidelines to determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for an on-street APZ. If an applicant determines that they meet the eligibility requirements, the process generally includes:
- 1. Submit a completed application and required documents.
- 2. Public Works reviews the application.
- 3. Public Works conducts an engineering and accessibility review.
- 4. If approved, Public Works will need approval and adoption of traffic regulation by the Board of Supervisors. After approval, installation process will be initiated.
Processing times vary depending on the application completeness, field review, traffic regulation adoption by the Board of Supervisors, and installation scheduling.
Can My Blue Curb Be Relocated or Removed?
Public Works may relocate or remove an On-Street Accessible Parking Zone if roadway conditions change, accessibility standards change, roadway improvements are planned, an engineering review warrants a modification, or removal is otherwise determined to be in the public interest.
Once installed, an On-Street Accessible Parking Zone does not require renewal. However, it remains subject to relocation or removal by Public Works.
Who enforces the parking restrictions?
Parking regulations are enforced by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parking Enforcement Detail. To contact your local parking enforcement station, please visit: https://lasd.org/parking-enforcement/.
How Do I Apply?
Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. To apply, submit the completed application form with required documentation to:
Los Angeles County Public Works
Traffic Safety and Mobility Division, Investigations Section
P.O. Box 1460, Alhambra, CA 91802-1460
Email: parking@pw.lacounty.gov