Parking Ordinances

The general rule:

Only park and operate vehicles on designated roadways, driveways, and parking areas when parking within a park, parkway, mountain park, or other recreational facility. 

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety in recreation areas. Promotes the preservation of parklands.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, operating a motorized vehicle in any park, mountain park or other recreational facility to fail or refuse to obey posted rules, traffic signs or traffic-control devices regulating motorized vehicles.

(b)It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to park or drive a motorized vehicle any place other than upon roadways, driveways and parking areas established for such purposes within any park, parkway, mountain park or other recreational facility.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to operate a snowmobile, go-cart or all-terrain vehicle in any park, parkway, mountain park or other recreational facility.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to engage in any repairs or maintenance of motorized vehicles in any park, parkway, mountain park, or other recreational facility.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to park or store any motorized vehicle in a park or a mountain park during curfews set forth in subsection 39-3(a).

The general rule:

Properly attached license plates are required for all vehicles operating or parked within the City's property or public right of way.

Why it's important:

Allows the vehicle and vehicle owner to be identified.

Municode language:

(a) License plate required. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, stop, park or for the owner or person in charge of any vehicle to cause or knowingly permit to be driven, stopped or parked on any street or highway within the city or any property that is owned by the city, any vehicle that has been assigned a license plate or plates, pursuant to Colorado law, unless the license plate or plates assigned to the vehicle for the current registration year is properly attached to and displayed on the vehicle, in accordance with the laws of the state.
 

(b) "License plate" construed: For purposes of this section, the term "license plate" shall include license plates, number plates, personalized license plates, special license plates and other plates, both permanent and temporary, issued pursuant to Colorado law.

(Code 1950, § 503.10; Ord. No. 122-85, § 1, 3-11-85; Ord. No. 51-06, § 3, 1-23-06)

State law reference— Registration and taxation of vehicles, C.R.S. 1973, 42-3-101 et seq

The general rule:

Do not misuse or misrepresent license plates.

Why it's important:

Allows the vehicle and vehicle owner to be identified.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to display or cause or permit to be displayed on any vehicle driven, stopped, or parked on any street or highway within the city or any property that is owned by the city, any license plate, as that term is construed in section 54-62 of this Code, that is not the license plate that has been assigned to that vehicle pursuant to Colorado law.

(Ord. No. 51-06, § 4, 1-23-06)

The general rule:

Do not drive or park on sidewalks, medians, traffic islands, or in non-designed areas of parks, parkways and boulevards. 

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety; promotes the predictable flow of travel, and preserves adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for the driver or operator of a vehicle to drive the same within or upon any sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporary driveway, nor drive or park within or upon any median or island on any street or highway. 

(b) It shall be unlawful for any operator of a vehicle to park upon any sidewalk area, unless otherwise permitted by this Code, or park or drive upon the median or center strip of any parkway or boulevard, or park or drive within or upon any part of a city park except designated roadways or parking areas therein; provided, however, that the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to vehicles of the city actually engaged in work on or at any such place. 

(Code 1950, § 517.9) 

The general rule:

Parked vehicles should not impede or block the flow of traffic by stopping or operating vehicles at a speed less than the posted minimum. 

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety; promotes the predictable flow of travel.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle or to stop a vehicle in a traffic lane or roadway so as to impede or block the flow of traffic or create an actual or potential hazard. No person shall operate a vehicle at a speed less than a posted minimum speed limit, except when such speed is necessary to be in compliance with this chapter. Where minimum speed limits are not posted, a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour or more under the unposted or posted speed limit shall be prima facie evidence of being an impediment to the flow of traffic or a potential hazard to others. 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of [subsections] 54-160(a) and 54-70(g), taxis may stop for up to ninety (90) seconds in a traffic lane to pick up or drop off a fare, provided the stop is made in the traffic lane nearest the curb from which the fare embarks or disembarks and further provided an amber flashing light is visibly displayed to the rear during the stop. Reasonable accommodations shall be made as to time for the embarkation and disembarkation of persons with disabilities. 

The general rule:

Do not park in private driveways or on private property. 

Why it's important:

Protects owner access to private property.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to park or stand a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of, and while actually engaged in, loading or unloading, in a private driveway or on private property without the express or implied consent of the owner or person in lawful possession of such driveway or property.

(Code 1950, § 852.4; Ord. No. 798-92, § 1, 11-2-92; Ord. No. 843-98, § 1, 11-23-98; Ord. No. 1106-01, § 1, 12-17-01; Ord. No. 869-05, § 1, 11-28-05)

The general rule:

Vehicles generally must move at least 100 feet in time restricted areas.

Why it's important:

Encourages parking turnover and promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses.

Municode language:

Except as provided in sections 54-464 and 54-465, where any section of this article, or any sign posted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, prohibits parking in excess of any stated period of time in any given parking space or other designated area, a vehicle shall be considered in violation of that restriction if it has not been moved at least one hundred (100) feet from that parking space or designated area during the stated period of time or if the vehicle is moved to within one hundred (100) feet of that parking space or designated area within twenty-four (24) hours.

The general rule:

Park vehicles within 18 inches of the curb. 

Why it's important:

Creates a consistent parking pattern and prevents parked vehicles from impeding the flow of traffic.

Municode language:

(a) No person shall stand or park a vehicle, except a motorcycle, low-power scooter or electric assisted bicycle, in a roadway other than parallel with the edge of the roadway headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement in which such vehicle could proceed if it were to move forward, and with the curb side wheels of the vehicle in the roadway within eighteen (18) inches of the curb or edge of the roadway, except as otherwise provided in this division. 

(Code 1950, § 518.1; Ord. No. 54, § 1, 1-28-80; Ord. No. 559-07, § 2, 10-8-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 9, 11-23-09) 

State law reference— Parking at curb or edge of roadway, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1105. 

The general rule:

Parked motorcycles should not protrude into the roadway.

Why it's important:

Creates a consistent parking pattern and prevents parked vehicles from impeding the flow of traffic.

Municode language:

(b) A person may stand or park a motorcycle, low-power scooter or electric assisted bicycle at an angle to the edge of the roadway headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement in which such vehicle could proceed if it were to move forward; except:

(1) Any person may stand or park a motorcycle, low-power scooter or electric assisted bicycle in a metered space already occupied by a parked motorcycle, low-power scooter or electric assisted bicycle, provided, however, that no such vehicle may be parked in excess of the time limit indicated by the sign accompanying the parking meter and further provided that all vehicles in a metered parking spot may be ticketed if the time on the meter has expired; and

(2) That it shall be unlawful for any person to stand or park a motorcycle, low-power scooter or electric assisted bicycle at such an angle with the edge of the roadway, that any part of such vehicle protrudes into the roadway at a distance from the edge of the roadway greater than the width of any motor vehicle that is lawfully parked parallel with the edge of the roadway. State law reference— Parking at curb or edge of roadway, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1105.

(Code 1950, § 518.1; Ord. No. 54, § 1, 1-28-80; Ord. No. 559-07, § 2, 10-8-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 9, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Parking at curb or edge of roadway, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1105.

The general rule:

Leave at least 2 feet between vehicles when parking on street. 

Why it's important:

Creates a consistent and efficient parking pattern and provides for safe vehicle maneuverability.

Municode language:

Upon those streets which have been signed or marked by the city traffic engineer for angle parking, it shall be unlawful for any person to stand or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway indicated by such signs or markings.

(Code 1950, § 518.5)

The general rule:

Park within signed or marked parking stalls.

Why it's important:

Creates a consistent and efficient parking pattern.

Municode language:

Upon those streets which have been signed or marked by the city traffic engineer for angle parking, it shall be unlawful for any person to stand or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the roadway indicated by such signs or markings.

(Code 1950, § 518.5)

The general rule:

Do not leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

Why it's important:

Prevents vehicle theft and maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person driving or in control of any motor vehicle to permit the same to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brakes thereof, and when standing upon any grade turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway so that if the vehicle should roll or coast forward or backward, whichever is applicable, it would strike the curb or side of the roadway.

(Code 1950, § 518.7)

The general rule:

Do not stop or park on the sidewalk or within the sidewalk area.

Why it's important:

Maintains safety and a clear path for pedestrians.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(1) On a sidewalk or sidewalk area. Low-power scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices are exempt from this subsection as long as the parked low-power scooter or "EPAMD" does not impede the normal and reasonable flow of pedestrian traffic;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Allow 5 feet or more when parking near alleys or driveways.

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety and provides adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(2) Within five (5) feet of, or in front of an alley or a public or private driveway;

The general rule:

Do not stop or park within an intersection. 

Why it's important:

Maintains traffic flow, predictable vehicle operations, and driver and pedestrian safety.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places: 

(3)Within an intersection;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09) 

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104. 

The general rule:

Allow for 10 feet or more when parking near a fire hydrant.

Why it's important:

Allows for emergency vehicle access and adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(4) Within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Do not stop or park on a crosswalk.

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian and cyclist safety and allows for adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(5) On a crosswalk;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Allow for 20 feet or more when parking adjacent to a crosswalk.

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian and cyclist safety and allows for adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(6) Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk or stop sign at an intersection;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Allow for 30 feet or more when parking adjacent to a flashing beacon or traffic control signal.

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety and allows for adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(7) Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Allow for 50 feet or more when parking adjacent to a railroad crossing

Why it's important:

Maintains safety for both driver and train operations.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(8) Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Allow for 20 feet or more between your vehicle and the driveway entrance of a fire station. When parking opposite a fire station, allow 75 feet or more between your vehicle and the driveway entrance.

Why it's important:

Maintains emergency vehicle access and adequate sight distance.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(9) Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station, and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five (75) feet of the entrance when properly posted with signs or other markings;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Do not stop or park in a way that would obstruct the flow of traffic.

Why it's important:

Maintains traffic flow and predictable vehicle operations.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(10) Along side or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when the same would obstruct other traffic;

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09) 

The general rule:

Do not stop on the roadway side of a parked vehicle.

Why it's important:

Maintains traffic flow and predictable vehicle operations.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(11) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street, except that:

a. A vehicle may be stopped at the roadway side of a vehicle while waiting for another vehicle to clear a parking space, while such other vehicle is actually doing so; or

b. A taxi may be stopped at the roadway side of a vehicle to load or unload passengers in compliance with subsection 54-160(b);

however, the loading or unloading of taxi passengers shall not be construed to be an affirmative defense for a violation of any other subsection of this section.

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

Do not park on bridges or within a tunnel or underpass.

Why it's important:

Maintains the consistent flow of traffic as well as pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places:

(12) Upon any bridge or viaduct or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway, tunnel or underpass.

(Code 1950, § 519.1; Ord. No. 325-07, § 2, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 686-09, § 10, 11-23-09)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. 1973, 42-4-1104.

The general rule:

On streets and alleys, leave at least 10 feet for the free movement of vehicular traffic.

Why it's important:

Maintains the consistent flow of traffic as well as pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle upon a street other than an alley, in such manner or under such conditions as to leave available less than ten (10) feet of width of the roadway for free movement of vehicular traffic.

(Code 1950, § 519.3)

The general rule:

In City parks, do not obstruct driveways, paths, or crosswalks.

Why it's important:

Maintains pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety within City parks.

Municode language:

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle in such manner or under such conditions as to obstruct any drive, path or crosswalk in any park.

(Code 1950, § 519.3)

The general rule:

Do not park or block the movement of traffic in alleys.

Why it's important:

Allows for emergency vehicle and delivery access.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle within an alley except during the necessary and expeditious loading and unloading of merchandise or freight, and no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle within an alley in such position as to block the driveway entrance to any abutting property or interfere with the free movement of traffic through an alley.

The general rule:

Do not park on the left-hand side of a one-way highway.

Why it's important:

Maintains driver safety and the consistent flow of traffic.

Municode language:

If a highway includes two (2) or more separate roadways and traffic is restricted to one (1) direction upon any such roadway, it shall be unlawful for any person to stand or park a vehicle upon the left-hand side of such one-way roadway.

(Code 1950, § 519.7)

The general rule:

Do not park on freeways, highway ramps, or shoulders.

Why it's important:

Maintains driver safety and the consistent flow of traffic.

Municode language:

It shall be unlawful for any person to park, stand or stop a vehicle on the paved portion of a freeway or on any ramp connecting such freeway to any other street or highway. No person shall park, stand or stop a vehicle on the shoulder of any freeway except when such vehicle is disabled and is not in proper condition to be driven due to mechanical failure, flat tire, lack of fuel or as the result of an accident and then only for a period not to exceed three (3) hours. Where the presence of such vehicle constitutes a material obstruction or a definite hazard to the movement of traffic, the police department is hereby authorized to remove or cause to be removed, such vehicle immediately. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to vehicles momentarily stopping to render aid to injured persons or assistance to disabled vehicles.

(Code 1950, § 519.8)

The general rules:

(a)

(1) Do not repair vehicles that are parked in the roadway unless it is an emergency. 

(2) Do not park vehicles in the public right of way for the purpose of advertising.

(b) Do not park a vehicle for the purpose of displaying a "for sale" sign.

Why it's important: 

(a)(1) Maintains driver and pedestrian safety. Removes hazardous objects from the roadway. 

(a) (2) Reduces driver distractions and promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses.

(b) Reduces driver distractions and promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to park or operate a vehicle upon a roadway for the principal purpose of:

(1) Greasing, oiling, lubricating, painting or repairing such vehicle, except repairs necessary to remove the vehicle from the roadway, and which are required to be made because of an emergency; or

(2) Display advertising.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle upon a roadway for the principal purpose of displaying such vehicle for sale. This section shall not apply to a person who displays for sale no more than one (1) vehicle, if said vehicle is lawfully parked upon the portion of the available roadway that is closest to and immediately adjacent to the principal residence of said person.

The general rule:

Do not park a truck more than 22 feet in length and do not park a trailer that is not attached to a licensed vehicle for more than 2 hours on a public street. 

Why it's important:

Prevents the storage of large vehicles on public streets and promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses.

Municode language:

(a) A vehicle exceeding six thousand (6,000) pounds empty weight or twenty-two (22) feet in length, a trailer not attached to a licensed vehicle, or a truck-tractor or semitrailer for a period of time longer than two (2) hours during any seven-day period on a public right-of-way; except where such vehicles are actively engaged in rendering services in the immediate area, or where such vehicles are parked adjacent to a zone lot on which is located a motel or hotel being used by the operator of such vehicle. For purposes of this section, a vehicle shall be considered in violation of this parking restriction if it has not been moved to a location that is at least seven hundred (700) feet away during the seven-day period. The two-hour time limit includes the cumulative time spent on any public right-of-way.

(b) A licensed vehicle containing an attached recreational vehicle with a combined overall length exceeding twenty-two (22) feet, a recreational vehicle exceeding twenty-two (22) feet in length, or a trailer attached to a licensed vehicle, for a period of time longer than twenty-four (24) hours during any seven-day period on a public right-of-way; except where such vehicles are actively engaged in rendering services in the immediate area, or where such vehicles are parked adjacent to a zone lot on which is located a motel or hotel being used by the operator of such vehicle. For purposes of this section, a vehicle shall be considered in violation of this parking restriction if it has not been moved to a location that is at least seven hundred (700) feet away during the seven-day period. The twenty-four-hour time limit includes the cumulative time spent on any public right-of-way.

(c) For purposes of this section, "rendering services" does not include idling or waiting for a business to open.

The general rule:

To move your vehicle every three days when parked on the street.

Why it's important:

Encourages parking turnover and promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any owner or operator of a vehicle to leave that vehicle parked in the same place on a public street continuously for a period in excess of seventy-two (72) hours. Except as provided in section 54-464, subsection (b) of this section, or when posted signage indicates otherwise, a vehicle shall be considered in violation of this section if it has not been moved during the seventy-two-hour period of time.

(b) A recreational vehicle that does not exceed twenty-two (22) feet in length shall be considered in violation of this section if it has not been moved to a location that is at least seven hundred (700) feet away during the seventy-two-hour period of time.

The general rule:

Read and follow posted parking restrictions and regulations.

Why it's important:

Encourages the appropriate use of parking inventory to meet the goals of a specific area.

Municode language:

(a) At any place within the city where authorized signs are posted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter giving notice of parking limitations, regulations, restrictions or prohibitions, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle in any manner in violation of, or contrary to, the provisions contained on such signs except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with the directions of a police officer, or traffic-control signal, sign or device, or except momentarily for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers when such parking does not obstruct, impede or endanger any traffic; except as otherwise provided in this article.

(Code 1950, §§ 520.1, 520.1-1; Ord. No. 129-93, § 1, 3-1-93) 

The general rule:

(coming soon)

Why it's important:

(coming soon)

Municode language:

(c) At any place within the city where authorized signs are posted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter giving notice that such area or portion of the public street is a "tow away" zone, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle in any manner in violation of, or contrary to, the provisions contained on such signs except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with the instructions of a police officer, or traffic control signal, sign or device, except as otherwise provided in this article. When a vehicle is found in violation of this subsection, it may be removed or impounded under the provisions of section 54-811. 

The general rule:

Do not park in handicap spaces unless you have an approved license plate or placard. Approved vehicles can park for four (4) consecutive hours at a metered or time restricted space but then must move 100 feet or more. 

Why it's important:

Provides accessible parking options to those with disabilities.

Municode language:

(a) Any vehicle with distinguishing license plates or an identifying placard obtained by a person with a mobility impairment as prescribed by law, and being used by such person, may be parked in a parking space identified as being reserved for use by the disabled whether on public property or private property available for public use; or in any public parking area along any public street in restricted time limit zones or at parking metered spaces or multi-space sections during hours parking is permitted.

(b) Any vehicle with distinguishing license plates or an identifying placard obtained by a person with a mobility impairment as prescribed by law, and being used by such person, may be parked free of charge in a parking metered space or multi-space section controlled by a parking meter or kiosk during hours that parking is permitted in such parking metered space or multi-space section, for a time period authorized by the parking meter or for four (4) consecutive hours, whichever is greater, regardless of the time period otherwise allowed for parking in the parking metered space or multi-space section controlled by such meter or kiosk. At the end of the authorized time period the vehicle must be moved at least one hundred (100) feet from the parking metered space or multi-space section as required by section 54-420 of this Revised Municipal Code.

(c) Any vehicle with distinguishing license plates or an identifying placard obtained by a person with a mobility impairment as prescribed by law, and being used by such person, may be parked in a public parking space controlled by posted signs during such hours that parking is permitted for the time period authorized by the sign or for four (4) consecutive hours, whichever is greater. At the expiration of the authorized time period the vehicle must be moved at least 100 feet from the parking space as required by section 54-420 of this Revised Municipal Code.

(d) Such distinguishing license plates or identifying placards shall be properly affixed to the vehicle operated by such person with a mobility impairment. A distinguishing license plate shall be affixed to the vehicle in the manner required by state law. An identifying placard shall be prominently displayed from the rear view mirror inside the vehicle or displayed on the vehicle dashboard in plain view of any police officer or parking control agent looking through the vehicle windshield, and both the identifying placard and the identification number required to be placed upon such placard by state law shall be clearly visible and legible to such officer or agent when viewed from outside of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield.

(e) It shall be unlawful for persons with mobility impairments to be parked along public streets, or in designated parking spaces on public or private property:

(1) During such times when all stopping, standing or parking of all vehicles is prohibited;

(2) When only special vehicles may be parked;

(3) When parking is not allowed during specific periods of the day in order to accommodate heavy traffic;

(4) For a period exceeding seventy-two (72) hours as prohibited by section 54-465, parking in excess of seventy-two (72) hours.

(f) The owner of private property available for public use may install signs prescribed by the city traffic engineer identifying parking spaces designed to specifications of the city traffic engineer and reserved for use by the disabled. Such installation shall be a waiver of any objection the owner may assert concerning enforcement of this section by such police officers, and such officers are hereby authorized and empowered to enforce this section of the Code.

(g) It shall be unlawful for any person who does not have a mobility impairment to exercise the parking privilege defined in this section.

(h) It shall be unlawful for any vehicle without distinguishing license plates or an identifying placard obtained by a person with a mobility impairment as prescribed by law to be parked in a parking space identified as being reserved for use by the disabled.

(i) It shall be unlawful for any vehicle to park in any area designated for loading and unloading of a vehicle designed for the mobility impaired by pavement markings such as cross-hatching or by other indication. These areas are access aisles and parking by any vehicle is prohibited at all times.

(Code 1950, § 520.2; Ord. No. 62-87, § 2, 2-2-87; Ord. No. 535-98, § 1, 8-3-98; Ord. No. 1052-02, § 1, 12-16-02; Ord. No. 73-09, § 1, 2-2-09)

The general rule:

Do not park in emergency access lanes either on public or private property..

Why it's important:

Allows for emergency vehicle access.

Municode language:

At any place within the city where authorized signs designating an emergency access lane are posted along a public roadway or on private property, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, giving notice of parking limitations, regulations, restrictions or prohibitions, it shall be unlawful for any person to park or stop a vehicle in any manner in violation of, or contrary to the provisions contained on such signs except in compliance with the directions of a member of the police department or fire department, or traffic-control signal, sign or device, or except momentarily for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers when such parking does not obstruct, impede or endanger any traffic. The police department is hereby authorized to issue a citation and may immediately remove, or cause to be removed, a vehicle parked or stopped in violation hereof, in accordance with the provisions of section 54-811.

(Code 1950, § 520.1-2)

The general rule:

Do not park in "Truck Loading Only" areas.

Why it's important:

Provides trucks with adequate parking for loading and unloading.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park any vehicle in any parking space reserved and marked "Truck Loading Only" unless such vehicle is licensed as a truck and bears truck registration license plates, or shall have affixed to the lower left-hand corner of the windshield of the vehicle adjacent to the state inspection sticker, a special license sticker issued by the director of excise and licenses indicating that the owner or operator of the vehicle has paid the fee for a license to park a vehicle other than truck licensed as such in a truck loading zone.

(Code 1950, § 520.5; Ord. No. 723-02, § 49, 9-9-02)

The general rule:

Do not park in a "Press or Radio Parking Zone".

Why it's important:

Provides press vehicles with convenient parking.

Municode language:

When signs are erected giving notice thereof, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, other than a vehicle which has been authorized and designated as a press or radio vehicle by the manager of safety and is identified by a plate permit displayed on the dashboard of such vehicle, in any place established as a restricted press or radio parking zone. No person shall stop, stand or park any press or radio vehicle in any place established as a restricted press or radio parking zone and designated for the use of authorized vehicles of a particular news gathering agency unless the vehicle is identified by the authorized plate permit displayed on the dashboard as being owned by such agency or by a full-time, paid employee of such agency.

(Code 1950, § 518.8; Ord. No. 394-92, § 1, 6-22-92)

The general rule:

Do not park in "Truck Loading - By Permit Only" zones.

Why it's important:

Provides trucks with adequate parking for loading and unloading.

Municode language:

(a) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park any vehicle in any parking space reserved and marked, "Truck Loading—By Permit Only," unless such vehicle prominently displays, in a location easily visible through the front windshield or back window, a permit so to do.

(Ord. No. 238-81, § 1, 5-11-81)

*Editor's note — Ord. No. 238 of 1981, § 1, adopted May 11, 1981, added § 520.8 to the 1950 Code; the editor has included these provisions as § 54-493

The general rule:

Park vehicles within the set boundaries of a metered parking space.

Why it's important:

Creates a consistent and efficient parking pattern and allows for the maneuverability of vehicles.

Municode language:

(a) A vehicle shall be parked wholly within the parking metered space for which the parking meter shows a parking privilege has been granted.

(b) Every vehicle parked in a parking metered space shall be parked with the appropriate end of such vehicle immediately opposite the parking meter for such space and in such a manner that the parking meter shall be visible from the street side of the vehicle.

(Code 1950, §§ 527.3-1, 527.3-3; Ord. No. 224-95, § 3, 3-27-95)

The general rule:

Pay the parking meter per the rates specified in order to access a metered or kiosked parking space.

Why it's important:

Encourages parking turnover, promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses, and increases the overall parking supply for users.

Municode language:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a parking metered space or multi-space section without depositing in a coin-operated parking meter applicable to such space or section the number of coins required to operate such parking meter, or without undertaking the required alternative payment process for a parking meter applicable to such space or section with alternative payment capability, for the time used during the applicable hours of operation and on the applicable days of operation of such parking meter, as indicated by the sign accompanying such parking meter.

(Code 1950, § 527.4; Ord. No. 771-00, § 10, 10-2-00; Ord. No. 559-07, § 3, 10-8-07)

The general rule:

Do not park in excess of the posted time limit restrictions.

Why it's important:

Encourages parking turnover, promotes the use of parking spaces for access to adjacent land uses, and increases the overall parking supply for users.

Municode language:

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to use a parking metered space or multi-space section in excess of the time limit indicated by the sign accompanying the parking meter.

(Code 1950, § 527.4; Ord. No. 771-00, § 10, 10-2-00; Ord. No. 559-07, § 3, 10-8-07)

The general rule:

Vehicles parked illegally will be towed.

Why it's important:

Maintains traffic flow, predictable vehicle operations, driver safety and encourages the appropriate use of parking inventory to meet the goals of a specific area.

Municode language:

(a) The chief of police, the undersheriff, the manager of public works, or their respective designees, are hereby authorized to remove, or have removed at their direction, a vehicle found standing upon a street, highway or restricted parking area in violation of this chapter prohibiting the standing of such vehicle in such place, such officer is hereby authorized to move such vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the same to a legal standing position.

(b) When the chief of police, undersheriff, the manager of public works, or their respective designees moves a vehicle pursuant to this section by having the vehicle towed, a towing fee to be established by the chief of the police, undersheriff, the manager of public works, or their respective designees, based upon the actual costs, not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). The chief of police, undersheriff, the manager of public works, or their respective designees shall publish the new rate in an official publication of the city at least ninety (90) days before the new rate will become effective. The towing cost assessment for moving a vehicle pursuant to this section shall be in addition to any fine imposed for any underlying violation that necessitated moving the vehicle. Towing costs shall be shown on the face of the citation issued for the underlying violation.

(Code 1950, § 505.11-5; Ord. No. 310-03, § 1, 4-28-03; Ord. No. 336-05, § 1, 5-22-06; Ord. No. 619-09, § 1, 10-26-09)