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Costco caters to disabled I was under the impression that a certain amount of space was to be set aside for disabled parking at the various markets. In fact, all other outlets adhere to the premise that disabled parking should be close to the entrance, with the exception of Costco. It appears there are 400 parking spaces for general parking and less than 20 for the disabled and they are certainly not near the entrance. Are there no requirements? -- Charles T., Central Point There are requirements, Charles. And based on our conversations with store and city officials, it seems that Costco is more than meeting them. Businesses must provide two disabled spaces for the first 50 general spaces and one disabled space for every 100 after that, according to the Medford Planning Department. A clear path from those spaces to the store entrance must be provided. Costco has about 690 parking spaces, according to store manager Wayne Harris. City guidelines would require just eight disabled spaces. Harris counts 26 spaces currently designated for disabled parking. "We are very handicap-friendly for shopping," Harris says, noting that the store has had more spaces than required since it opened. Harris says 10 of the spaces are near the front and a dozen are on the side of the building that faces Cardinal Way. There are also spaces near the tire center and at the rear of the building. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA