This is a brief history and summary of parking for the 5000 - 5100 blocks of Westminster Place.
Parking has long been a matter of contention and discussion on our street, and it takes a disproportionate amount of the Board's time and energy. Often this is because the laws and rules that govern it are not fully understood. The Board of Trustees encourages personal responsibility; and "open discourse, courtesy and trust among us to give, RECEIVE and seriously consider neighborly suggestions." (ref: Westminster Chimes Web site published by the Board of Trustees, no longer on line)
In the interests of everyone having the same information, this summarizes what we believe to apply. It applies to all residents, guests, vendors, contractors, etc; and it is the responsibility of property owners to see that such drivers are considerate.
1) The Trustees, not the property owners, own the street. (ref: Deed of Restrictions, paragraph 5; and City Tax Assessor's data base)
2) On May 24, 1976, the Trustees enacted a resolution limiting parking to parallel parking on both sides of the street. This was done to meet the access needs of the St. Louis Fire Department. Since that time, the suggestion that 119 vehicles could be accommodated has been demonstrated to be conservative and the true number is 20% - 30% higher. There is no shortage of legal parking places on our street.
3) The Trustees have attempted to accommodate special situations such as large numbers of guests by permitting, after asking the Trustees and alerting neighbors, diagonal parking on one side of the street only. (ref: Westminster Chimes Web site published by the Board of Trustees, no longer on line; also several older printed copies of the Westminster Chimes newsletter)
4) It is considered to be a courtesy to park in front of one's own property when possible, and to not block a neighbor's habitual spot. The Trustees have requested "that guests and visitors avoid parking in a neighbor’s habitual parking spot to limit any inconveniences. It’s just neighborly." (ref: Westminster Chimes Web site published by the Board of Trustees, no longer on line)
5) Parking in the Fire Lanes marked by signs and painted curbs at both ends of the street is prohibited and may be enforced by towing. (ref: St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 17.24.070.S.)
6) Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is prohibited and may be enforced by towing. (ref: St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 17.24.070.V.)
7) Parking "In front of public or private driveway or within five (5) feet of the rounding of a driveway, alley or private street" is prohibited by the City of St. Louis. (ref: St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 17.24.070.U.)