Bill > H2316

This bill aims to improve parking and pedestrian safety by introducing several key provisions. First, it mandates that commercial buildings with municipal on-street angle or perpendicular parking must construct safety appurtenances (such as bollards, retaining walls, or landscape planters) to separate parking spaces from sidewalks and prevent vehicles from accidentally entering pedestrian areas or colliding with buildings. The requirements apply to commercial construction or substantial renovation projects exceeding $1,000,000 in cost. The bill also establishes a 15-member Pedestrian Safety Design Advisory Group to investigate and develop best practices for safety measures in parking lots and public spaces. Additionally, the bill allows insurance companies to offer discounts to commercial property owners who install these safety appurtenances, recognizing them as risk-reduction measures. The legislation provides a mechanism for the department to grant waivers in unique circumstances where compliance might be an unreasonable burden, provided alternative safety measures are proposed. The safety requirements will only apply to commercial buildings permitted after the bill's effective date of July 1, 2022, ensuring a prospective implementation of these new safety standards.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2316