Commissioners adopt amended parking ordinance to clarify abandoned‑vehicle and proximity rules

Boulder County commissioners on Jan. 16, 2025 adopted an amendment to the county traffic and parking ordinance to clarify enforcement of abandoned‑vehicle rules and to update references to the 2024 model traffic code.

Why this matters: The change aims to make enforcement feasible in unincorporated neighborhoods where vehicles registered in one location are repeatedly parked on nearby county roads or cul‑de‑sacs. County staff told commissioners the clarification will help the Sheriff’s Office address long‑term vehicle storage on public rights of way while preserving limited visitor and loading time for residents.

Assistant County Attorney Kate Haywood explained the proposed amendment would narrow the definition of an “abandoned vehicle” by excluding vehicles registered to an address in unincorporated Boulder County if they are parked within 700 driving‑feet (defined in the amendment) of that address. The amendment also clarifies that parking in violation of traffic‑control or parking signs is prohibited and updates references from the 2020 to the 2024 model traffic code.

Residents from Palo Park and Red Fox Hills testified that an owner living in the city of Boulder had repeatedly stored recreational and other vehicles on an unincorporated cul‑de‑sac for extended periods, at times obstructing neighbors’ ability to use their own curb frontage and impeding snow removal. Natalie Hilsonbeck, a Palo Park resident, told the board the lack of a clear “near” definition had allowed repeated, prolonged parking and that the 700‑foot driving‑distance measure would make enforcement practicable.

Guy Zublin, a neighbor, urged stronger limits on repeated short‑term moves designed to evade a time limit and suggested a longer prohibition on returning vehicles; county staff and the sheriff indicated the ordinance strikes a balance between visiting/loading time and chronic storage and that enforcement resources would be used to address repeat abuses.

The amendment preserves a 72‑hour on‑street allowance in many circumstances (for loading, trip preparation or short‑term visitor parking) but requires that vehicles move at least 700 driving‑feet for 24 hours before returning if they were being used to store a vehicle continuously. County staff said the 72/24 structure reflects common practice in other Colorado jurisdictions and attempts to balance resident needs with enforceability.

Commissioner Levy moved to adopt and sign the amended ordinance and the motion passed unanimously. County staff will update Sheriff enforcement protocols and public materials to reflect the 700‑foot standard and the clarified abandoned‑vehicle exclusion.

Ending: The board adopted the ordinance amendment unanimously. Staff were directed to publish the updated ordinance text and to provide enforcement guidance consistent with the clarified definitions.