Private Parking Pointers
Enforcement Services Available to Private Property Owners

The Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing parking regulations that promote public safety, traffic flow and community standards. Our Special Constables encourage voluntary compliance with parking regulations by providing public education, identifying required signage and finally when necessary tagging and vehicle seizure.

The Parking Enforcement Division can assist property managers in management of parking on their property by providing information regarding signage and through formal enforcement services.

CAN YOU TELL ME…?

What help can the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) provide to private property owners?

All citizens including property managers can contact CPA regarding illegally parked vehicles on private property 24 hours a day at 537-7100. These ‘requests for assistance’ are recorded and a Special Constable is dispatched as soon as possible. Response times currently average less than 25 minutes.

What happens when CPA receives a request for assistance on private property?

A Special Constable will ensure the requester is the owner or represents the private property owner and that signs are properly posted on the property. The officer may issue a 72-hour warning, or issue a parking tag and seize the vehicle if requested.

The requester may be subpoenaed if the tag goes to traffic court.

What signs are needed on private property for enforcement to take place?

Adequate signs will often reduce the need for enforcement. Our Special Constables look for the following signs:

• "Private Property’ signs, 60 cm. by 60 cm, placed at all entrances advising the general public that they are entering private property;
• ‘No Parking’, ‘No Stopping’ and ‘Handicap Stall’ signs using the standard symbols instead of written messages.
• Numbered or named stalls.

Will officers check private property routinely?

A property manager with ongoing parking difficulties can request a routine patrol of the property by sending a ‘letter of authorization’ to the Calgary Parking Authority. The letter should outline the parking infractions the property manager wants enforced, and the hours that problems usually occur.

Typically a patrol will enforce ‘No Parking’, ‘No Stopping’, and ‘Handicap’ zones. Enforcement of derelict vehicle parking can be accommodated in common areas of most condominium properties and shopping centers. CPA will meet property owners on their site to discuss site-specific concerns.

Yes, there are provisions in the bylaw to address business owner needs. Contact CPA for details.

What is the fee for this enforcement service?

Enforcement services are provided as a public service.

What gives the CPA the authority to provide Enforcement Services?

In 1994 the responsibility for Parking Enforcement was transferred from the Calgary Police Service to the Calgary Parking Authority. All officers are appointed ‘Special Constables’ and ‘Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officers’. These appointments authorize our Special Constables to enforce Provincial and Municipal legislation governing parked vehicles.

What happens when a driver violates a parking regulation?
An officer may issue a ‘Parking Tag’ to a vehicle that violates a parking regulation. If the driver of the vehicle approaches and agrees to comply immediately the officer may ‘VOID’ the tag.

A reminder ‘Notice’ is sent out if payment for the tag is not received within 12 days. If the fine remains unpaid after a further 19 days a ‘Violation Ticket’ is sent and a court appearance is scheduled. Violation tickets are mailed to the last known address of the registered vehicle owner filed with Motor Vehicles.

Information on the back of the violation ticket explains the Court appeal options.

Can a tag be reviewed?
Yes, the CPA offers an ‘Administrative Review’ process. Appeals can be forwarded through the website, by email, by fax, by mail or in person. The Parking Enforcement office will conduct a review and determine if an error has been made. If an error is found the parking tag is normally withdrawn. CPA does not have the authority to cancel tags for compassionate reasons. CPA will attempt to contact every appellant within 12 business days of receipt of the appeal. If a response has not been received the appellant should call to determine the status of the appeal during business hours at 537-7100 and press '3' or check the website.

If a property owner determines that they have made an error and have had a vehicle tagged or towed they may appeal to the CPA. The tag will normally be withdrawn if the property owner declares they have made an error. CPA would not refund any towing costs resulting from the error.

Where are vehicles towed?
Vehicles are towed to the Municipal Impound Lot, open 24 hours a day, every day. Vehicle owners must contact the Impound Lot directly to claim their vehicle. Proof of ownership must be provided. Vehicles are subject to a daily storage fee. Vehicles that remain unclaimed after 30 days will be disposed of at public auction or scrapped if they are determined to be worthless.

Who receives the parking tag revenue?
Revenues generated by the CPA’s enforcement services are returned to The City of Calgary’s general Revenue Fund after deducting all operating expenses. This fund is used to provide services and facilities to the public at large.

Legislation:

Calgary Traffic Bylaw

Section 28(1)
Unauthorized on private property

Section 28(2)
Unauthorized truck with a maximum weight exceeding 4000 kg on private property

Section 28(3)
Customer parking only

Who to Call:

Calgary Parking Authority

Enforcement Division 537-7100 Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requests for a parking tag administrative review can be filed at the CPA website by following the 'Parking Offences' link and then the 'Review' link from the main page; by email to cpaenforcement@calgaryparking.com; by fax to (403) 537-7104; by mail to Calgary Parking Authority, Parking Enforcement Services, 620-9th Avenue SW, Calgary AB, T2P 1L5; or in person.

3924 Manchester Road SE 537-7111

• Vehicle seizure

The Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) was created by City Council in 1968. CPA encourages compliance with parking regulations through public education.