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San Francisco Couple Overturns $1,500 Fine for Driveway Parking

A couple in San Francisco, California, successfully challenged a $1,500 fine issued by city officials for parking on their own driveway. This unexpected legal battle has led to potential changes in local parking regulations, emphasizing the importance of common-sense governance.

Judy and Ed Craine, who had parked their vehicle in the same spot for over 36 years, received the fine in June 2022 following an anonymous complaint lodged against them and two of their neighbors. An email from the city’s planning department informed them that their use of the driveway violated city code, which stipulates that vehicles can only be parked outside homes if a garage or cover is present. The couple was warned that failure to comply would result in an additional $250 fine for each day the vehicle remained parked.

Interestingly, the couple’s neighbors escaped similar penalties because they had garages. According to Dan Sider, chief of staff for the city planning department, the regulation was originally implemented to prevent front yards from becoming parking lots. This rationale, however, sparked outrage among those who learned of the Craine’s predicament.

In response to the fine, Judy Craine expressed her disbelief, stating, “I wrote them back saying I thought this was a mistake.” Her husband, Ed Craine, 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?”

The couple’s story gained traction online, prompting widespread support from the public. After a prolonged effort to prove that the driveway had been used for parking since the 1950s, city officials ultimately backed down.

Changes on the Horizon

As a result of this incident, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is taking action to address parking regulations in the city. Elizabeth Watty, the Director of Current Planning, acknowledged the embarrassment surrounding the outdated regulations. “The directive was – how can we do better? How can we create some improvements around common-sense governance?” she stated.

Watty confirmed that the city is modernizing its planning code, allowing homeowners to park in their driveways without facing violations. Despite these changes, some restrictions will remain, including a limit of two vehicles parked in a driveway. Violators may still face fines, which could reach $1,725.

The Craine case serves as a reminder of the complexities of urban regulations and the sometimes surprising impact they can have on residents. As San Francisco moves forward with its legislative adjustments, the couple’s story illustrates the importance of community engagement and advocacy in shaping local governance.

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