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At the end of the day, most people just want to get home and relax. But, the quest for a parking spot after a long day’s work can be hectic and mentally draining. Countless circles around the block can seem like hours, and if you have a physical disability, walking 60 feet to your home can be 60 feet too much. With that in mind, let’s talk about parking eligibility for those with disabilities and special needs.

Let’s be honest: the LAST thing someone with a physical disability or special need should worry about is finding parking. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) knows that. That’s why we strictly enforce those illegally parked in disabled parking spots. If someone parks in a disabled parking zone — that’s a big no no. It means an automatic $301 ticket.

If you, or someone you know, has a physical disability and would like convenient parking near your home, we’d like to help.

Check out the frequently asked questions below regarding our Residential Parking for People with Disabilities (RPPD). If you have more questions, reach out to us on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). We’re more than willing to guide you through this process.

Question: How do I get a “Disabled Only” parking space in front of my home?

Answer: You must apply for the space. Applicants must submit a physician’s certification of disability from their treating physician, which will be reviewed by Moss Rehabilitation Hospital. You can download an application online or you can call 215-683-9746 or 215-683-9736. Signs are installed by the PPA once all criteria is met.

Question: How much does it cost?

Answer: This program is free of charge for eligible residents.

Question: How long will the sign stay posted?

Answer: Zones are reviewed on a one- to three-year cycle to determine if they are still necessary.

Question: Are other vehicles permitted to park in this zone?

Answer: Yes. This space is not limited to the person who made the application for the zone.  Any vehicle with a disabled license plate or disabled-person parking placard may use the space.

Question: What happens if the pole or sign gets damaged?

Answer: The PPA is responsible for all repairs of the parking poles and signs.  If a pole or sign is loose or knocked down, please contact us at 215- 683-9736 or 215-683-9746 so we can make the necessary repairs.

Question: I’m moving. Who is responsible for removing the zone from my street?

Answer: The PPA is responsible for removing the zone. If you no longer require it, please contact us at 215-683-9736 or 215-683-9746. We do not know if the zone should be removed unless we are contacted.

Question: What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing a disabled-only parking zone?

Answer: Report it! If we receive reports of zone abuse—cones or other objects saving the zone, jockeying of cars to save a spot on the street— a parking investigator will be sent to investigate. If evidence of abuse is corroborated, the zone will be removed.

Question: I don’t have a parking space in front of my house and my neighbor will not give consent. Do I have any recourse?

Answer: You may request a consent hearing from the Office of Administrative Review Board at 215-686-5216.

Question: How do I get consent for an abandoned property or lot located next to my home?

Answer: This property is technically owned by the City of Philadelphia. Contact your City Councilperson and have them write you a letter stating that you are allowed to have a RPPD Zone infringe on this property.

The job of a PPA Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) requires a lot of patience and a liking for physical activity. PEOs wake up every morning knowing they’ll be insulted at least once a day for doing their job — a job that requires eight hours of walking and yes — at times issuing parking tickets. Knowing you’ll be insulted at least once during your workday requires a cool demeanor and a level-head, both of which are virtues of Antonio Menezes.

Born and raised in Northeast Philly, Menezes studied Human Resources at Temple University. After graduating, he worked as a temp in a law office. “I probably took the most water breaks out of anyone in the office. Not because I was lazy, I just needed a reason to stand up.”

Luckily for Menezes, he landed his job at the PPA not long after his stint in the law office. “I just like being outdoors and walking around. It’s almost impossible for me to sit behind a desk for hours on end.

Sitting behind a desk for hours is no longer a problem for him. Menezes now walks most of his beats in East Falls and Manayunk (the areas with all those treacherously steep hills), and he has plenty of reasons to take water breaks.

Not only does he walk eight hours a day as a PEO, he stays active outside of work. “I used to be a personal trainer before working in the law office. I work out pretty much everyday when I’m done,” explains Menezes.

With his routine in place, Menezes wakes up every morning ready to expect the unexpected. But what does he not like about his job?

“Giving tickets,” said Menezes. “Especially to people from out of state. Some people park wherever they want and don’t mind getting tickets, but some people literally have no idea how to read the signs.”

You heard it here folks — a PEO that doesn’t like to give tickets. Like any PEO, Menezes has to issue parking tickets, and sometimes he encounters people who aren’t too thrilled that they’re receiving a parking ticket. But Menezes uses the perfect antidote.

“Kill them with kindness,” he says. “Kindly explain they have the right to contest the ticket. Most people are understanding that I don’t make the rules, I just enforce them.”

Sounds easier said than done, especially for a PEO who has insults hurled at him on a daily basis. But Menezes offers a simple yet important piece of advice for all parkers.

“Read the signs,” he says in a calm demeanor. “I know some of the signs are more difficult than others to read, but if you start from the top and work your way down, you’ll be fine.”

So if you’re ever out for a stroll and bump into Menezes, don’t expect an argument. You’ll get the exact opposite and if you’re lucky, a thorough explanation of parking signs. By the way — if you’re a diehard Eagles fan, don’t be afraid to talk some birds with him.

It’s been over a year since we set up shop at 701 Market Street. Nestled conveniently nearThe Gallery Mall,Chinatown andReading Terminal Market, we have the perk of working in the most energetic section of Philly. So for this month’s #TBT, we sifted through Philadelphia’s public records and stumbled upon a vintage picture of our home, and boy, have times changed.

Long before we called 701 Market Street our home, it was the flagship location of Philly’s renownedLit Brothers Department Store, which is shown in this picture. But, as competition grew and sales plummeted, Lit Brothers reluctantly closed their doors in 1977. After remaining vacant until 1989, the building was renamedMellon Independence Center.

Known for its unique Victorian architecture, it encompasses the entire seventh block of Market Street. Though it doesn’t necessarily mix in with the area’s rustic aesthetic, it’s far from an eye sore. In fact, in 1979 it was inducted into theU.S. National Register of Historic Places. That’s right — our office is considered a historic landmark!

If you’re ever near Reading Terminal Market and also have an appetite for unique architecture, stroll down to 7th and Market Street and check it out!