By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER — City Council approved an ordinance Monday that changes the rules regarding reserved parking spaces for the disabled on public property.

Now, no more than one public spot can be set aside for a disabled person who has private off-street parking, like a driveway, or a garage within 200 feet of his or her home — or at least the same distance away that a reserved spot would be.

Prior to this update, an unspecified number could be obtained by a resident.

The change also requires two current Division of Motor Vehicles disabled parking permits as proof there are two drivers with disabilities in the household and, therefore, a need for two such parking areas. The Public Works department will contact a homeowner when a permit expires.

Prior to Monday’s vote, Councilman Brian Lewis voiced several concerns, including from a constituent who makes use of reserved spaces and who questioned what would happen when his current placard expires.

In response, Councilman Fred Neil said, “Basically, the way the ordinance is written, it continues along until his authorization of his placard ends, and then, it will be considered again. I would certainly hope that we would be amenable to that situation because he has a legitimate need.

“I would say that (the expired placard) would be taken into consideration. I think that you have to give the city staff some credibility and say, ‘OK, here’s the situation. We see it. We know what’s happening.’”

Councilman Lewis, the only member who voted against the measure, had other worries about the ordinance, as well.

“I truly and honestly hope that this does not come back and bite us with the American (With) Disabilities Act, any form of a violation whatsoever. So, I’m really not going to be in favor of this,” he said.