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From ‘Bumper’:
It was with interest that I read your article about the minimum size of parking spaces in strata buildings.
I have two side by side car spaces, each of the minimum width of 2.4m This width is reduced by about 300mm at the entrance by a structural column on each side, so entering and exiting each car space safely is not easy, especially when the 2nd space is occupied.
This problem is worsened by the fact that the effective aisle width is reduced by 1m from the minimum width specified in the relevant Australian Standard, thus breaching the standard, by the presence of two bollards erected opposite my car spaces. These bollards guard a pedestrian exit door to the street by preventing unauthorized parking which could block this exit in case of fire.
That risk is extremely slight. All parking in the building is in allocated spaces and infringement are extremely rare. In the many years we have lived here, I am not aware of a single instance of unauthorized parking on common property for more than a few minutes. Fire sprinklers are installed and NO PARKING signs could be erected.
I have repeatedly requested the executive committee of the owners corporation to remove these bollards and relocate them closer to the wall but they claim it is a fire safety requirement.
What do you suggest?
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From Shedding:I have a question that I hope you can help me out as a result of your article of SMH March 4-5.I have purchased a Home Unit off the Plan, because we decided to ‘Down Size’. I have one of your monster vehicles e.i. a Toyota Landcruiser which is about 2 wide. This unit has been allocated two car spaces 2.4 m x 11.5 m in tandem, which is barely adequate width. Which means that If the space was ‘caged’ I would not be able to get out of the car.My question is : what activity is permitted in the vacant car space, as I have only one car? I am thinking whether I could make a kind of a small workshop.
Check your by-laws but it is likely that the vacant car space can only be used for some type of vehicle storage. It should not be used as a work shop or as a general storage area. This would be a change of use from the original Development Approval.
A work shop in a designated garage space could breach many regulations and laws including: fire safety regulations, appearance of a Lot, health and safety, use of common property electricity, nuisance, noise, damage to common property etc etc.
Jimmy T alluded to it here: https://www.domain.com.au/news/parking-cages-in-strata-buildings-raise-ire-of-other-owners-20160310-gnci4q/
Perhaps you could explore the option of having a work shop offsite, perhaps in a “Men’s Shed”, if there is one in your area.
‘Bumper’ said:
I have repeatedly requested the executive committee of the owners corporation to remove these bollards and relocate them closer to the wall but they claim it is a fire safety requirement.
What do you suggest?
Just as there are fire safety laws, there are minimum turning circle standards enshrined in your DA. Tell your EC to seriously investigate an alternative method of keeping the fire door clear – including signage, a painted area on the floor and re-positioning of the bollards to allow for easier and safer access for you. If they fail to do so, get your own opinion from your local fire department and then take them to NCAT.
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