Towing Issues: Tow from a McDonalds in Portland OR on W. Burside St., tractor trailer truck, civic stadium

Question
Richard-

Last night (April 8), my car was towed away from a McDonald's on W. Burside St. in Portland OR.  I went into the establishment around 9 pm to get a drink and do some work before picking someone up around 10:30 pm.  When I pulled in three crates were set out bocking three parking spaces (one was the Disability Spot-I have a disability and was going to park in that space as walking is not that easy.  They only have one disability spot and it is the first spot on the upper row of parking spaces and is real close to the dumpster area.  Anyway, around 10:30 I went out to get my car and noticed a McDonald's tractor trailer truck parked along the top row of parking spaces (including the disability spot) and my car had been towed.  The restaurant was still open at that time.  I got the manager and he said he had no choice had asked around in the restaurant about the cars parked in the upper spaces(which he did not).  He called a cab for me and that was it.  What a hassle...I paid over $200 impound fee and cab fare.  They do have a sign that states that you will be ttowed if you park in the lot and go to another establishment.  My two questions are:  Overall, did they make an illegal tow and are they in the wrong for bl;ocking the disability spot during operating hours of the restaurant before the drive through just being open?

Answer
Oh yes, the famous McDonalds on Burnside close to Civic Stadium... (I know that lot very well as I used to live in Portland)

I hate to say it but from what you say happened, you might be out of the money from the point that it most likely has to do with access for the delivery truck... The trucks do come in on a schedule and as such they do need parking spaces cleared and such, which results in towing most of the time... If the manager actually went around looking for customers to see if they were parked there, its hard to say as I was not there...
I hope you have the receipts also, as this will help you in your fight.

Now fortunately for you, the City of Portland does have a towing regulations office and as such you can contact them and discuss it with the city officials and see if you were "really illegally towed" I know this sounds like I am blowing you off, but they do have some real tight regulations regarding towing rules and regulations, and then add in the disabled parking issue it gets real complicated.

This is one that a judge would have to consult several laws in order to make a ruling on also.

Discuss this with the local McDonalds area office people (not the store) and see what they say also... They do like to keep happy customers and as such will sometimes work with you...