News Brief: North Village apron parking enforcement still delayed

Dozens of cars are still apron parked in Westwood’s North Village, nearly three weeks after city officials were expected to begin doling out citations.

The delay ““ the latest of several in a two-year push to ban apron parking ““ is the result of City Councilman Jack Weiss’ effort to change local code to allow apron parking in Westwood and other areas in Los Angeles, said Weiss’ deputy chief of staff, Lisa Hansen, in an e-mail.

Changing city code to legalize apron parking would likely conflict with federal law, as the Americans with Disabilities Act disallows obstructed sidewalks.

Weiss’ motion will be reviewed by the city council’s transportation committee, which is on recess until Sept. 10, Hansen said.

If passed ““ and approved by the city attorney ““ the Weiss motion would try to find middle ground between federal law protecting the disabled and Westwood car owners pressed for parking.

Cars would be allowed to park on driveways, as long as they do not impede sidewalks or streets ““ likely preventing sport utility vehicles and other large cars from apron parking.

Many student and neighborhood activists have been advocating for the preservation of apron parking in the area since city officials threatened enforcement last year.

About 250 cars in North Village would be affected if the ban were enforced.

Compiled by Robert Faturechi, Bruin senior staff.