Boulder updates neighborhood parking management with new permit and flex options

Boulder City is taking significant steps to revamp its on-street parking management strategies, aiming to adapt to the city's growth and changing transportation habits. During the recent Transportation Advisory Board meeting, Senior Project Manager Samantha Bromberg outlined a series of proposed updates to the Neighborhood Permit Parking (NPP) program, which seeks to make parking more equitable and efficient across all neighborhoods.

One of the key changes includes reducing the number of permits issued from two to one per licensed driver. This adjustment is expected to decrease permit issuance by approximately 15%, encouraging residents to utilize off-street parking and alleviate congestion on public streets. Additionally, a new flex permit will be introduced for households with more vehicles than available off-street parking, catering to those with unique parking needs.

Bromberg also highlighted the need to simplify the current guest and visitor permit system, which many residents find confusing. The proposed solution includes introducing day passes—25 per household per year—valid for 24 hours each, which will replace the existing guest and visitor permits. This change aims to streamline the process and better align with residents' actual usage patterns.

In a bid to enhance parking management further, the city plans to conduct a parking study for significant new or redevelopment projects. This study will assess occupancy and multimodal access, helping to determine the necessity of creating or modifying NPP zones.

Another notable proposal is the formalization of a park and walk program near schools, designed to ease congestion during drop-off and pick-up times. This initiative will allow for two one-hour parking sessions daily, providing added flexibility for parents.

Lastly, a pilot program in the Goss Grove neighborhood will test mobile pay-only parking for non-permit holders, coupled with free eco passes for residents. This pilot aims to evaluate the impact of paid parking on curbside demand and behavior while assessing its financial sustainability.

These proposed changes reflect Boulder City's commitment to improving parking management and addressing the needs of its growing population, with the hope of fostering a more accessible and efficient transportation environment.