CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The image of a wheelchair-bound figure wearing a hat and carrying a drink had some people questioning the legality (not to mention tact) of a disabled parking spot outside a Chesterfield restaurant.
The signs is in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant on Hull Street in Midlothian across the street from a Food Lion
"I was curious to find out if this is legal?" Daniel K. asked on the WTVR CBS 6 News Facebook page. "Even though it is comical, this may not be the best choice of representation for handicapped citizens. Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2013 is speaks out highly against drinking and driving."
Some people CBS 6 showed the sign to admitted it seemed a bit off.
"I mean, I’m not offended by it, but i could see where other people would be offended by it. I mean, it looks strange,” one woman said.
When asked about the painted parking spot, a spokesman for the Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection said its only requirement for a disabled parking spot is a standard sign with a handicapped logo on display. Anything painted on the actual parking spot, they added, was extra.
A local ADA representative said that because a proper sign was posted in front of the parking spot, as well as hash marks painted next to it for unloading, the spot is legal.
The owner of the restaurant said the sombrero-wheelchair sign was painted by the restaurant’s former owner.
