Following Civil Rights Complaint, Town of Truckee to Update Snow Removal Operations to Protect Accessible Parking Spaces

SACRAMENTO – The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced a settlement involving the Town of Truckee to voluntarily resolve a civil rights complaint alleging the repeated blocking of accessible parking spaces as a result of past snow removal operations during the winter. As part of the settlement, the town will update its snow removal policies and donate $5,000 to the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District to support improved access for people with disabilities.

“Snowplows are supposed to help people get out of the snow, not get stuck in it,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “Whether it’s government or businesses open to the public, we all have a responsibility to ensure reasonable accommodations are available to people with disabilities. At the end of the day, everyone in our state is entitled to equal access to the services offered by our cities and towns. This settlement is a prime example of how speaking out can lead to meaningful change.”

Snowed Out of Luck

Earlier this year, CRD received a complaint against the Town of Truckee from a local resident who alleged that they were denied full and equal services as a result of their disability. According to the complaint, the resident, for a period of multiple years was prevented from using accessible town-owned parking spaces near the intersection of Donner Pass Road and Truckee Way during winter. The resident said this happened because the Public Works Department’s snowplows repeatedly shoveled large piles of snow into the accessible parking spaces and even blocked the resident’s vehicle in with snow. This allegedly prevented the resident from being able to use accessible parking spaces in the area for weeks at a time. When they complained to the town, they were allegedly given no reason for the obstruction of the spaces and told that parking spaces could be closed at the town’s discretion.

State Mediators Facilitate Resolution

After conducting an initial investigation, CRD provided the resident and the Town of Truckee an opportunity to voluntarily resolve the allegations through mediation with the department’s Dispute Resolution Division. As a result of the settlement, the town, without admitting liability, will:

• Adopt a winter operations policy that prohibits storing snow within accessible parking spaces, adjacent access aisles, and associated ramps and sidewalks.
• Inform employees and contractors about the prohibitions against storing snow in accessible parking lots operated by the town.
• Report on compliance with the agreement to the complainant and CRD within 90 days.
• Donate $5,000 to the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District with a stipulation that the money be used to enhance and improve access to park facilities for people with disabilities.

If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. The department also provides general information and factsheets online about civil rights protections, including with respect to discrimination at businesses and public facilities operated by local government.

The settlement announced today was mediated by Senior Attorney Mediator Bruce Carter. It was investigated by Michael Coleman with CRD’s Enforcement Division.

A copy of the settlement is available here.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

View Press Release (PDF) Following Civil Rights Complaint, Town of Truckee to Update Snow Removal Operations to Protect Accessible Parking Spaces