Lee Sonnenberg
Associate Director of TTU Parking Services
Box 43161
Lubbock, TX 79409-3161
(806) 742-3811
lee.sonnenberg@ttu.edu
DATE:
April 18, 2007
TO:
Lee Sonnenberg
Associate Director of TTU Parking Services
FROM:
Britani Bell, Laci Holcombe, Jordan Riley
Technical-Communication Undergrads
SUBJECT:
Handicap Parking Signage
We are TTU students taking a technical writing class. We are specifically focused on the
parallel handicap parking spaces in front of the Human Science building. Many
students have received tickets in this area due to confusion.
In this proposal, the information gathered is from several resources. We surveyed
students, researched internet sources, and received vital information from you.
Based on this research, we developed several solutions to benefit the parking services and
the students. Our options include painting the ground, different signage options, and
writing a public article in the Daily Toreador.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to the possibility of helping
you implement these changes to our Texas Tech University campus. If you have any
questions, you can contact Jordan Riley at jordan.riley@ttu.edu.
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Handicap Parking Signage
Prepared for:
Mr. Lee Sonnenberg
Assistant Director of the University Parking Services
Prepared by:
Brittani Bell, Laci Holcombe, Jordan Riley
April 18, 2007
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Abstract
“Handicap Parking Signage”
Prepared by: Brittani Bell, Laci Holcombe, Jordan Riley
Technical-Communication Undergrads
We are proposing to you options to solve the problem of the handicap parking spaces on
campus. We are focusing mainly on the parallel spot in front of the Human Sciences
building. This area is a problem because there is no ground signage and the posted sign
is not easily visible. Numerous people have received citations for parking in this area
because they were not aware that it is a handicap parking space. We are proposing
several solutions as well as listing the benefits of these changes. Our ideas will be
beneficial for you and the students. We hope that our proposal will encourage you to
take action regarding this issue.
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Table of Contents
Cover Memo……………………………………………………………………………...1
Title Page…………………………………………………………………………...…….2
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………...3
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...4
Proposal Overview…………………………………………………...…………………..5
Background………………………………………………………………………...…….6
Solutions Ideas……………………………………………………………………………7
Solutions Advantages…………………………………………………………………….8
Method Results…………………………………………………………………….....9-13
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………..………..14
Sources…………………………………………………………………………..………15
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Proposal Overview
Due to the lack of ground signage on the parallel handicap parking space in front of the
Human Sciences building, there has been an excessive amount of citations issued. People
who are given these tickets are usually unaware that the spot is handicap because the
signage is confusing. The posted sign is unusually high and it is not easily
distinguishable between the other signs on either side. The lines painted on the ground
are not clearly identifiable. Naturally, if a sign is not directly in front of you, you rely on
ground signage. Average business parking lots have the universal handicap symbol
painted on the ground in addition to posted signs, so this is what people have come to
expect. When people unknowingly park illegally in these spaces, they are charged a fee
of $200. This is a financial burden for the majority of college students and the parking
services expect it to be paid promptly.
Based on the information we gathered and analyzed, we concluded that there are several
options to correct this issue. First, we found an online company that offers a handicap
ground symbol stencil for approximately $100. This stencil could be used repeatedly
throughout the campus parking areas. Second, enhance the existing sign by enlarging
and/or attaching an additional sign that states you will receive a $200 fine for illegally
parking there. Third, you could write an article to be published in the Daily Toreador
making the student body aware of the situation and that the University Parking Services
are willing to take an interest in student concerns.
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Background
As Technical Writing students, we were assigned a group proposal project. As a result of
personal experience, we felt it relevant to bring this issue to the attention of the
University Parking Services. This is an obvious issue that we can use to better our
technical writing skills while hopefully providing you with the information to take action
on this problem.
In order to provide sufficient background information for our proposal we gathered
primary research, which included photographic documentation of the problem area, and
we created and distributed surveys. We also gathered secondary research in the form of
internet sources and the information provided by you.
The lack of ground signage on the parallel handicap parking space in front of the Human
Sciences building is a problem. There has been an excessive amount of citations issued
for this spot because people are usually unaware that the spot is handicap. The area is
confusing because the posted sign is unusually high and it is not easily distinguishable
between the other signs on either side. Also, the lines painted on the ground are not
clearly identifiable.
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Solution Ideas
We have gathered our information and produced several possible solutions:
1. Ground signage – We are aware that there is not a law in place that requires
ground signage for handicap spaces. This allows for you to choose from a variety
of creative solutions.
 Standard – Ground stencil using the standard handicap symbol. The
stencil kit costs approximately $100 and can be used repeatedly. The
paint costs roughly $41 for a 12 can case.
 Unconventional – Creative use of brightly colored paint in the form of
stripes or pattern, or unique use of words to grab people’s attention.
2. Posted signage – In addition to the current posting, there could be additional signs
that inform people of the $200 fee. Also, the sign presently in place could be
replaced by a larger sign. Creative measures could also be taken to personalize
other signs that will attract attention.
3. Mock news article or email – You could place an article in the Daily Toreador or
send a campus-wide email to make all students and faculty aware of the problem.
This could cut down the number of citations because people will be more likely to
take notice of handicap signage.
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Solution Advantages
These solutions will benefit two groups of people:
1. Texas Tech University Parking Services
a. Less hassle for office – If the proposed solutions are put into place, there
will be less complaints and less interruption into the workplace. Also, the
paperwork load will decline greatly due to fewer citations.
b. Fewer appeals – The parking services will have less appeals to deal with
because there will no longer be confusion. The main reason there are
appeals now is because people believe there should be ground signage.
c. Better image for parking services – By fixing this problem, the student
body will have a more positive view of the parking services. This will
gain public interest as well by raising awareness for the disabled.
d. Eliminate the possibility of a lawsuit – If the posted sign were stolen, there
would be absolutely no way of distinguishing the handicap space from
other parking areas. This would result in handicap people not knowing
where to park. This could result in a lawsuit because of strict ADA
regulations for handicap parking.
2. Students
a. Saving money – Students will not have to face the financial burden of the
$200 fine.
b. Reduce fear of consequences – This would allow students to not have to
worry about their unpaid parking tickets stopping them from graduating.
c. Student interest – This would make students feel like the parking services
are looking out for their best interests.
d. Handicap students – Handicap students will have more parking spaces
available because other students will not mistake handicap areas for other
permit parking.
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Method Results
In this section, these are the findings of our research.
1. Email communication – These are the results of our communication with you:
We would like to know:

When the ground signage was no longer a requirement
To my knowledge "ground markings" for handicapped spaces have never been
required by either the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines (ADAAG) or the Texas Architectural Barriers Act, Texas
Accessibility Standards (TAS). If I am wrong in this impression, please send
me the reference in law or regulation that requires them.
I am aware some places have used them gratuitously, but we do not believe
they are required. This issue has been addressed several times
previously. Due to the various costs of adding and maintaining these
pavement markings, the decision has been made at Tech not to provide them. [
Information supplied by Art Glick, J.D., Executive Associate to the Vice
President for Operations]

The number of citations given 6 months prior and 6 months after the law
change
Not Applicable.

The common time that citations are issued for those parking spaces
Citations are issued primarily after 5:30 pm.

Where the citation money goes once paid
Citation fees are placed in the general operating budget of the department. Our
department is not funded by the University, but operate solely on permit sales
and citation revenue. We are responsible for construction and maintenance of
new parking structures and lots, maintenance of current structures, general
operating costs including salaries. Debt service payment on the Flint Avenue
parking garage is $1,200,000/year.
2. Student and faculty survey – We created and distributed this survey to 40
people. Eight people received tickets; five people did not receive tickets but knew
about the problem area, the rest of the students were not aware of the problem.
Here is an example of a result.
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Handicap Parking Survey
We are conducting this survey for our Technical Writing class. In order to give our
proposal, we need facts and opinions gathered from students. We believe the parallel
handicap parking in front of the Human Science building is a problem due to not being
clearly defined with ground signage. The tickets for these spaces are $200. We are
trying to find a solution for this issue to prevent students from dealing with this financial
burden.
1. Are you aware of the parallel handicap parking space in front of the Human
Science building?
Yes, after citation.
2. Have you ever received a ticket for illegally parking in this space?
Yes.
3. If so, what time was the citation issued?
12:30 AM
4. Did you pay the ticket?
Yes, reluctantly.
5. Did you fight the ticket?
Yes.
6. If so, what was the outcome?
After seeking legal council I was informed that it is no longer a requirement to
have ground signage
7. Do you know anyone else who has received a ticket for parking in this area?
Yes.
8. Do you agree that the posted sign is not clearly visible?
Yes, does not conform to most types of signage.
9. Do you think it would be beneficial to have the handicap symbol painted on the
ground?
Yes, has been a standard for years.
10. Do you have any other comments or suggestions?
No comments.
3. Mock news article- We have provided an example of a sample news article the
Parking Services could put in the Daily Toreador. This could be presented to
raise awareness about the problem and inform students of the new changes.
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Good News From Parking Services!
Frustrated with campus parking?
Tired of getting $200 tickets?
We’re taking steps to alleviate problems with
handicap parking!
Texas Tech Parking Services is
aware of the problem in front of the Human Sciences
building as well as other areas with spaces not
being clearly marked.
Starting next week, there
will be new signs painted on the ground, as well as
a larger handicap sign in front of the space.
These parking spaces will be much easier to see!
We’re on your side, saving you money!
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4. Photographs

Problem Area
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
Solutions
a. Posted sign of fine amount
b. Stencil and paint for ground signage
c. Custom wording on handicap sign
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Conclusion
We have stated many reasons why the handicap parking on the campus of Texas Tech
University poses a problem. We have included several options that make the spaces
more clearly defined. Solutions include ground signage, improved posted signage, and to
raise awareness about the problem area. We hope that you will take all of these options
into consideration. It would greatly benefit parking services as well as students.
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Sources
"MyParkingSign". April 15, 2007 <www.MyParkingSign.com>.
"Pavement Striping Paint". Utility Safeguard. April 15, 2007
<http://www.utilitysafeguard.com/Krylon-Paint/Pavement-Striping-Paint>.
"Texas Accessibility Standards". Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. April
15, 2007 <http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/tas/abtas4a.htm#4.6>.
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