How to Protect Off-Street Parking

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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For many city dwellers, off-street parking is a real asset, especially in high-crime areas or during a snowstorm. But it's difficult to maintain access to key off-street spots. To protect your off-street parking, consider who may be threatening to move in and how you can best put your territory off-limits.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Try a quick furniture save. Throw some heavy housewares into your parking space before you drive off. Many drivers use folding chairs, cabinets or desks to block their spots from other drivers.

Step2

Use signage. A courteous sign on a length of rope draped across the spot might be enough to keep neighbors out.

Step3

Paint your spot. Painting a yellow or white box around your spot can make your spot look like an officially reserved site. But make sure by painting you are not breaking any municipal ordinances or clauses of your rental agreement.

Step4

Fence in your space. For homeowners, a more long-term solution is to put stakes around your spot, then outfit your fence with heavy-duty metal link. For additional safety, consider a razor-wire top. If anyone gets injured on it, though, you probably will incur a lawsuit.

Step5

Get zoned for a garage. A garage can up the value of your property, give you space for yard tools and special projects and make your off-street parking a sure thing. Research all applicable local laws to see if you are legally entitled to making your off-street parking into a garage outbuilding.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure it's your space. Trying to take control of parking areas that are not legally yours can land you in court. Before you take steps to protect your parking, make sure you're the owner or legally entitled to access.