DENVER (KDVR) — If you’ve ever circled the block looking for a parking spot, you know how difficult street parking in Denver can be.
City leaders hope that’s about to change — at least in four neighborhoods — with new parking rules aimed at helping residents find spots closer to home, and allowing visitors to stop and head to stores.
The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure plans to roll out updated curbside parking regulations in neighborhoods like Highland, Cherry Creek, 7th Avenue, and Jefferson Park. The updates look different in every neighborhood but include new time limits for non-residents and expanded permit programs for locals.
“The program is intended to ensure that curbside management strategies align with nearby land uses, activities to provide convenient access to both residents and businesses,” said Scott Burton, principal city planner for Denver.
Longtime Highland resident Desiree Basl said it’s often impossible to find a spot near her home, especially on weekends.
“It’s a huge inconvenience,” Basl said. “You figure you’re going to own a house and have somewhere to park, and then there’s nowhere. You’re trying to park in the back alleyway, and then that’s taken too. Then you don’t know if it’s going to get broken into or what’s going to happen.”
To address concerns like Basl’s, Denver plans to implement two- or three-hour time limits on many street spaces. The goal is to keep visitors moving in and out of parking spots, with a $20 annual permit available to residents to exempt them from restrictions.
“The program is intended to ensure that curbside management strategies align with nearby land uses and activities — to provide convenient access to both residents and businesses,” Burton said.
Denver has been reworking parking regulations over the past decade. Coming changes include more paid parking in Cherry Creek and along Seventh Avenue, along with upgrades to the existing permit system around Mile High Stadium. That system already limits parking during Broncos games and other stadium events.
“You see the tow trucks lined up, one behind another,” said Jefferson Park resident Valerie Seid. “They’re taking one car after another away. So they’re intense about towing. So parking permits are a must.”
Burton said the city is constantly reevaluating parking rules to make sure there’s enough access for residents, workers and visitors alike.
“This program is a benefit to residents. It’s a benefit to businesses,” he said. “It promotes economic activity and access.”
While not every resident agrees with the changes, Burton encourages anyone interested in modifying parking rules in their area to contact their city council representative or the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
