Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of the Parking Permit Program
Accessible parking is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act which defines a person with a disability as a person whose mobility is limited as a result of a permanent or temporary disability that makes it impossible or difficult to walk.
Through the Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities valid permit holders can park in a designated accessible parking space anywhere in B.C, elsewhere in Canada or even outside of Canada.
Under the Rules of Use of the Parking Permit Program in B.C. the permit has been designed to travel with the eligible permit holder and can be used in any vehicle. This means that someone with a mobility-related disability might benefit from having a permit even if they do not own a vehicle or no longer drive.
To successfully use your permit, you must display your permit by hanging it from your rearview mirror or place the permit on the dashboard in front of the driver’s position. In the case of a motorcycle, attach the permit to the windsheild or in another conspicuous manner. You will also be issued a wallet card which you must carry with you to confirm that you are the valid permit holder.
If you have mobility limitations and wish to apply for a Parking Permit, you must obtain a parking permit application form from the SPARC BC website or request one be mailed to you. We require a referral from a medical professional with a valid MSP number.
Please complete the form in its entirety. Once complete, you can mail it to us, or scan the form and email it to us at permits@sparc.bc.ca
The permit will be issued based on a physician’s recommendation and is available to anyone with a permanent or temporary mobility limitation provided they meet one (1) or more of the following conditions:
- The applicant cannot walk any distance without assistance of another person or a mobility aid
- The applicant cannot walk 100 metres without risk to health
- The applicant has a disability that affects mobility, and the ability to walk specifically
- Individuals who are blind, or in cases where safety is a consideration, are also considered to be eligible.
Permanent Permits are valid for three (3) years at which time you can renew your permit for an additional three years.
The earliest you can renew your permanent parking permit is 5 weeks prior to your permit expiring. We will mail you a renewal form one month before your permit expires. Please return the renewal form to our office via mail or email your form to permits@sparc.bc.ca. Alternatively, permanent permits can be renewed over the phone, online or in person at our Burnaby office.
- Permanent Parking Permit: Valid for a period of three years, and renewable.
You can now renew your permanent parking permit online. Click here for more information on how to renew online.
If your permit is past is expiry date you will no longer be able to renew your permit online. Please see “How do I renew my Permanent Parking Permit?” for more renewal options.
Your Parking Permit has a registration number that is unique to you. It also has an expiry date that shows the the month and year that your permit will expire. If you continue to use an expired permit, you are at risk of a fine and/or in some instances it is possible that you could even be towed. Annually we will send you two (2) notices to remind you that your permit is up for renewal.
All found Parking Permits should be returned to the official issuing agency. The mailing address is located on the back of the Parking Permit. If you require further information, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 604-718-7744.
If a permit holder has passed away, please notify SPARC BC via email at permits@sparc.bc.ca or you can call our office at 604-718-7744.
If you are still in posession of their parking permit, please return the permit to our office via mail or drop off to 4445 Norfolk St, Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7
Having a Parking Permit for People with Disabilities is a service that we provide for all people with disabilities in B.C. Having a Parking Permit does not automatically make you a member of SPARC BC. However many of our Parking Permit holders have indicated that they would like to join SPARC BC and become a member as a way of continuing to help to keep the Parking Permit Program strong and to support our work with people and communities across British Columbia.
To learn more about becoming a member, please visit our Join page.
To learn more about us and the work we do, please visit the Why Support SPARC BC page.
The processing time is 2 to 3 weeks from when your application is received.
Travelling with your SPARC BC Parking Permit
If you are visiting British Columbia and have a valid Parking Permit in your home community, agreements are in place to ensure that you may enjoy the same rights and privileges here as you do in your home country. Your SPARC BC parking permit is recognized nationally throughout Canada along with member countries of the European Conference of Minsters of Transport (EMCT) and other associated countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States.
If you would like to obtain a B.C permit for the duration of your stay in Canada please contact us to let us now about the details of your trip and we can help by issuing a temporary permit that is recognized in B.C. To obtain a temporary permit, you will need to present official documentation from the issuing agency in your country. This information is needed to help to confirm that your are a valid parking permit holder in your home jurisdiction. There is a $31.00 Canadian processing fee for any permit issued.
Your SPARC BC parking permit is recognized nationally throughout Canada along with member countries of the European Conference of Minsters of Transport (EMCT) and other associated countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States.
Working in partnership with the Provincial Accessibility Secretariat, ICBC, and the Ministry of Transportation, SPARC BC has also created a Parking Permit for valid permit holders who ride a motorcycle. This permit is in the form of a decal which can be affixed to the windscreen or to the front of your motorcycle. This permit will be updated every year upon request (at no cost) and is available to all valid permit holders who ride a motorcycle.
Every year SPARC BC receives more than 100,000 calls and process more than 50,000 permits. Your processing fee helps to cover the cost of delivering the program and helps to keep the Parking Permit Program strong. It is also worth noting that we deliver this valuable community service across British Columbia. without any outside funding from government . It is all done through the $31 processing fee that you pay as well as any donations that you make. As well, we have an established policy that hardship assistance is available upon request to anyone who does not have the economic resources to cover the cost of the processing fee.
Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.
Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.
Click here for details on our location, directions on best ways to find us and our hours of operation.
Should you require more information regarding the Parking Permit Program or any of the programs and services that we provide, please do not hesitate to call our staff and we are more than happy to help.
