How Larimer County's proposed paid‑parking system would work

Larimer County staff walked commissioners through the operations and user rules proposed for a campuswide paid parking system at the Larimer County Ranch Events Complex.

Conor McGrath, the ranch director, said the county would offer the first 29 minutes free per visit for drop‑offs and ride‑share pick‑ups: "there would be no fee for that first initial 29 minutes." Staff proposed base hours with rates in the $3–$4 range and prime hours at $5.50–$6.50, with flexibility to set event‑specific pricing. For some contracted events staff noted a maximum payment tied to tenant contracts; McGrath referenced a current contract that sets a $10 cap per vehicle for certain days while staff also discussed a $30‑a‑day practical cap as an example for broader campus pricing.

Operational changes include shifting citation handling in‑house and hiring a dedicated parking manager, expanded heavy‑duty signage for local wind conditions, and temporary messaging boards while a permanent wayfinding package is installed. Staff also described a Lyft sponsorship and a dedicated ride‑share stacking and pick‑up area on the east side of Blue Arena so drivers and patrons have a known meeting point.

Commissioners asked about cross‑midnight stays, exemptions for community groups and sufficient lead time for public education; staff said pricing sessions restart on each entry and that the county would work with event organizers on front‑end communications and special passes for recurring community events.