“I’d also love to know why DDOT even allows these to be printed so late, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user John M

“Dear PoPville,

I have a question regarding Emergency No Parking signs and DDOT’s rules (and enforcement).

I live in Mt. Pleasant (18th St.) and I walked out of my house this morning to a bunch of orange cones surrounding my car (among others) and a construction crew or something getting ready to set up for work. I looked at the sign, which was dated for today and had a print date of yesterday (9/26). The cones definitely weren’t up with 24 hours notice — I left in the morning to no sign, and I came back around noon to work from home to other no sign there. I’ve moved my car, though I admit it’s not even clear if moved up it’ll be safe given how they were setting up.

My reading of DDOT’s website is that anyone who gets the signs must post them at least 72 hours in advance in non-metered areas. These folks have even violated the 24 hour rule. Does anyone know of any exceptions to this policy? Do contractors have more leeway? And if something happens to my car (ticket or whatever – though I hope not), do I have recourse? I’d also love to know why DDOT even allows these to be printed so late, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”