Monument approves parking permits and fees for Monument Lake; residents get $50 annual option

The Monument Town Council on July 20 adopted an ordinance and companion resolution establishing a permit and fee structure for parking at Monument Lake. The new rules create a $50-a-year residential permit and a $5.25 daily kiosk fee for nonresidents; staff said residents will be able to apply for annual permits through the town's water billing office at 259 Beacon Light.

"We've established a $50 a year annual residential permit option in addition so in lieu of the $5.25 parking per day fee," staff member Ashley said during the presentation. Staff said permit issuance and sticker/pass logistics were still being worked out and that the residential permit might not be available until early 2027 when annual permits would be easier to administer. The town estimated annual revenue from permits between "$25,000 and $60,000," but staff warned that estimate likely will not cover all maintenance costs such as restroom cleaning, vandalism repairs and road grading.

Council members pressed on enforcement and neighborhood impacts. Staff said police will enforce parking rules "as best as possible within the parameters of our resources" and that some measures such as boulders and no-parking signs are already in place on Mitchell Avenue. The resolution removes prior event exemptions; council approved the ordinance and the resolution each by a 5–1 vote.

The council directed staff to return with implementation details, including the permit issuance process and timing, and to continue monitoring neighborhood parking impacts.