A couple from San Francisco, California, successfully challenged a $1,500 fine imposed by city officials for parking in their own driveway, resulting in a significant change in local parking regulations. Judy and Ed Craine had parked their vehicle in the same spot for over 36 years without issue until a complaint led to their unexpected citation.
The situation escalated in June 2022 when the city’s planning department informed the Craine family via email that they could no longer park in their driveway. The notification cited a city code stipulating that vehicles must be parked outside homes only if there is a garage or covering, a rule intended to maintain aesthetic standards in residential areas. The couple was warned that failing to comply would incur additional fines of $250 per day.
While the Craine family faced this substantial fine, their neighbors, who also received similar complaints, escaped penalties because they had garages. The planning department’s chief of staff, Dan Sider, clarified that the regulations were instituted decades ago to prevent front yards from becoming parking lots.
Community Support Fuels Legal Battle
The couple’s predicament quickly gained attention, prompting widespread support from people around the world. Judy Craine expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “I wrote them back saying I thought this was a mistake.” Her husband, Ed, added, “To all of a sudden be told you can’t use something that we could use for years, it’s startling – inexplicable. Why are you taking away something that has great utility?”
After a prolonged struggle and the backing of a vocal community, the Craines were able to demonstrate that their driveway had been consistently used for parking since the 1950s. This evidence played a crucial role in convincing city officials to reconsider their stance.
As a direct response to the public outcry and the couple’s efforts, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has initiated further actions to address parking issues for residents. Elizabeth Watty, the city’s Director of Current Planning, acknowledged the embarrassment surrounding the enforcement of such outdated regulations.
Changes Ahead for San Francisco’s Parking Regulations
Watty noted that the mayor’s directive aims to improve governance and prevent similar incidents in the future. “The directive was – how can we do better? How can we create some improvements around common-sense governance?” she stated. She confirmed that the city is modernizing its regulations to allow homeowners to park in their driveways without facing violations under the planning code.
Despite these changes, some parking regulations will still be in effect. For instance, homeowners are prohibited from parking more than two vehicles in their driveway. Violators of this rule may face fines of up to $1,725.
The Craine family’s experience serves as a reminder of the impact local regulations can have on residents’ lives. Their fight not only led to a personal victory but also sparked necessary discussions about urban planning and community needs in San Francisco.