New Parking Restrictions in Douglas County

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New Parking Restrictions in Areas of Douglas County

Since the passage of a state law in 2022 preventing Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) from regulating the public right-of-way, you’ve made your voice heard that this policy does not work for Highlands Ranch and other areas of Douglas County. Residents have expressed that unregulated parking in certain neighborhoods has led to unsafe traffic conditions, polluted air, increased noise, and a generally decreased quality of life. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners heard your voices, and this April they are taking action.

During a Business Meeting Tuesday, April 8 the Board approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance that will prohibit some types of vehicles from parking on neighborhood streets. Second reading of the ordinance occurred Tuesday, April 22 and went into effect May 22, 2025.

The restrictions address several traffic issues of importance to residents, including regulating street parking for recreational vehicles and commercial vehicles.

For commercial vehicles, in order to increase safety, maintain access to roadways, and limit noise and pollution, it is prohibited for these vehicles to park on public streets in specified areas. Violators will receive a $100 fine for the first three offenses within a year, followed by a mandatory court appearance.
- Under Colorado law, a commercial vehicle is defined as a vehicle used in commerce that weighs at least 16,001 pounds and is self‑propelled, towed, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers.
Recreational vehicles (campers, boats, mobile homes, trailers, or motor homes) will not be allowed to park on any public road in specified areas for longer than 72 hours within a 7-day period. Violators will receive a $25, $50, and $100 fines for first, second, and third offenses, respectively.

What parking restrictions can I expect for my neighborhood?

Commercial Vehicle Parking Restricted Areas

Primary Urban Area (Highlands Ranch)
Chatfield Urban Area
Roxborough SUA
Pinery SUA
Castle Pines SUA
Parker Municipal Planning Area (such as Stonegate, which remains unincorporated)
Castle Rock Municipal Planning Area
Lone Tree Municipal Planning Area

Exemptions:

If the vehicle was parked on a street not within one of the above areas at the time of the violation.
If the vehicle was parked in a restricted area at the direction of a Law Enforcement Officer or at the direction of an Official Traffic Control Device.
If the vehicle was, at the time of the violation, engaged in providing a service to a residence within the area such as loading and/or unloading a moving truck or a critical service repair such as power, water, or emergency vehicles.
If the owner of the vehicle is a tow truck driver under contract with a local law enforcement agency to provide emergency towing services and the driver was on an on-call status at the time of the violation.

Recreational Vehicle Parking Restricted Areas

Primary Urban Area (Highlands Ranch);
Chatfield Urban Area;
Parker Municipal Planning Area (such as Stonegate, which remains unincorporated)

Exemptions:

If the vehicle was parked on a street that is not within one of the above areas at the time of the violation.
If the vehicle was parked in a restricted area at the direction of a Law Enforcement Officer or at the direction of an Official Traffic Control Device.
It is NOT an exemption if, within a 72-hour period, the vehicle, trailer or camper was relocated to a different area of the public road within a 1-mile radius of the original location where it was parked.

Questions? Contact Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Visit DCSO Website