A handyman in Florida, who has a disability, has been fined $345 by the city for parking his work truck in his own driveway, claiming it’s a violation of city regulations.
Bali Ramunarace received an order to remove his commercial box truck from his residence in Boynton Beach, which he believes will complicate his life even more due to his physical challenges.
“What they’re doing is ridiculous. Many people, including myself, rely on this for our livelihood,” Ramunarace expressed, sharing his frustration with local media.
This single father, now involved in a lawsuit against the Palm Beach County city, asked officials to allow him to be ‘grandfathered’ in since he has parked his truck in that space for 45 years, claiming it provides essential support for his daily activities.
“I think they really ought to make some exceptions for people with disabilities,” he stated. “This truck is crucial for my work; without it, I can hardly manage.”
City officials argued that the truck went against local codes designed to manage vehicle placements in residential neighborhoods.
The specific regulations, aimed at preserving the “character and value of residential properties,” restrict larger vehicles like trucks and buses from being parked for extended periods, usually more than 15 minutes.
Ramunarace contended that his vehicle complies with the specifications apart from its classification as a “truck.” He mentioned it being a 10-foot box truck that weighs under 6,000 pounds.
Besides the initial fine, Ramunarace faces an additional $75 for every month he continues to park in violation of the rules.
Using his truck to move materials for his work, he expressed concern about not having an alternative parking solution if pressured by the city.
“I really don’t know what my options are. No one told me where else I could park,” he added.
In February, the city revised its parking regulations, adding stricter guidelines that prevent vehicles from being parked in yards or on streets, permitting them only in driveways—except for limited situations like open houses.
Many residents reacted negatively to these changes, arguing it unfairly targeted those without homeowner associations.
“We’ve got nowhere to park except in our yards,” one local, Christina Super, shared her concerns. “We don’t even live in an HOA, and now we’re subjected to these rules.”
The city’s public safety director, Bonafair, countered claims that these regulations were financially motivated, stating they stemmed from public safety concerns.
