[Monkeydad]

Normally, I just say "take responsibility and pay for your actions" but you are clearly in the right here. If they actually painted and metered an illegal spot, that's practically entrapment IF they ticket people for the hydrant law after parking in a clearly-marked space.

Take some pictures if you have not already and mail them back in with the ticket after completing the "not guilty, requesting trial" section.

Incredibly stupid move by them if that space is actually in violation of law, but they can't penalize anyone for using it. Watch that space disappear soon.