Clarendon Hills Official Parks In Handicapped Spot's Striped Area

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – A Clarendon Hills official who is in charge of enforcing codes parked Thursday in the striped section of a handicapped spot.

Under state law, no one except those with legally obtained handicapped placards may park in such areas.

Three residents sent Patch a photo of a village SUV parked in the striped area early Thursday evening.

In an email, Village Manager Zach Creer said it was the village vehicle driven by acting Fire Chief Dave Godek, who is also the village's code enforcement officer.

"He made a mistake, and it will not happen again," Creer said.

Godek did not return an emailed message for comment.

In November, Godek took the fire department's helm after longtime Fire Chief Brian Leahy was placed on paid administrative leave.

State law prohibits anyone without the required placard from parking in handicapped spots and their adjoining striped areas, even for a moment.

For example, a restaurant manager a couple of years ago was cited for parking in a handicapped spot in Burr Ridge. The manager said he only parked in that spot for a few moments when he was doing a cash drop, citing safety reasons.

But Burr Ridge's hearing officer said the law on handicapped spots applies to everyone. The manager was fined $250.