The Boulder County Commission approved an updated parking ordinance during a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. The meeting was held both in person and online.

Kate Haywood, Assistant County Attorney, and Sheriff Curtis Johnson introduced the proposal for an ordinance regulating traffic and parking on public property in Unincorporated Boulder County and Other County-Owned Property.

The purpose of this Ordinance is “to provide comprehensive traffic control and parking regulations for property over which Boulder County has authority and jurisdiction. This Ordinance is intended to provide a system of traffic and parking regulations that are consistent with state law and generally conform to similar regulations through the state and nation. The ordinance adopts the 2020 Model Traffic Code and repeals and replaces Ordinance 2017-1.”

Board Chair Claire Levy said this is the second reading of the ordinance. Haywood read from the ordinance and said it is posted online. It adopts the model traffic code without changes.

Updates in the ordinance include the definition of an abandoned vehicle on County property. Abandoned vehicles frustrate enforcement if left on the property for 72 hours. Residents can park up to 700 feet from an adjacent building to avoid having the vehicle considered abandoned.

The ordinance proposes expanding its scope and setting fees of $50 for the first offense. Procedures would be established to assist with compliance priorities. Sheriff Johnson asked why the County needs to update in this area.

The Sheriff’s officers are challenged by abandoned vehicles on county roads. It is difficult to know if a vehicle has moved. He has received complaints of large recreational vehicles that are left for long periods. Deputies look to see if near or adjacent addresses to the vehicle are provided.

Towing a vehicle is expensive, so the County posts notices before resorting to towing. Haywood said the Board can’t impose more than $1,000 per offense, and violators can ask for a hardship exemption from the fine.

The Sheriff’s Department is involved only when the vehicle is being towed. Johnson said “We always offer assistance if the owner is there. Residents can move the vehicle and then bring it back and park it again.”

The ordinance sets up a graduated penalty fee structure for vehicles parked longer than 72 hours according to the number of penalties.

During public comment, six residents at the meeting and nine residents online supported the ordinance. Many were from the Gunbarrel area and Highway 67.

They complained about trash and dog waste left on the road. They have seen open use of drugs and have found drug paraphernalia. A car exploded quite close to houses in the area. Criminal incidents escalated and someone lit a shoe in the road.

Haywood said the ordinance does not address overnight parking, but residents could post signs to that effect and vehicle owners must abide by those signs or be penalized.

Sheriff Johnson said that enforcement is complaint-driven, but they have been addressing problems in that area. If a vehicle is abandoned, it is removed. They tag the vehicle and if they get zero response, they can impound the vehicle.

The Board moved to approve the ordinance but a friendly amendment reduced the penalties to $15 for the first offense, $30 for the second offense and $60 for the third offense. There would be no late fee.

The Board approved the ordinance with the amendment. To read the ordinance, go to Ordinance-2023-3-Traffic-and-Parking-Ordinance.pdf (bouldercounty.gov).