Due to the scarcity of parking spaces in Denver, programs like the Resident Parking Permit program have been established to alleviate parking issues near popular destinations. Over 34,000 individuals in the city currently benefit from this program, which has historically been free. However, starting next year, the city will introduce a fee for participation in the program.
The city is planning to introduce a fee for residential parking permits next year in order to help cover the annual administration costs of approximately $700,000 for the program.
A single permit, priced at $20, along with a guest pass, now referred to as flex pass, can be obtained by each household for a fee of $25. The combined cost will amount to $45.
According to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the permit fee will not be charged until the permit holder’s renewal date next year. Additionally, they assure that permit holders will receive a notification in advance, ranging from 6 to 12 months, depending on their individual renewal dates.
The news of the Clements Historic District neighborhood came as a surprise to residents like Richard White.
White stated that there has always been limited parking available, but until now, it has been complimentary.
White believes that the total fee of $45 for a permit and guest pass could accumulate over time.
White adds, “The fee of $45 is an annual recurrence and serves as an administrative fee. However, I believe that senior citizens with fixed incomes, as well as individuals with low incomes, may struggle to afford it every year.”
White, a retired individual living on a fixed income, faces the issue of not only the fee itself but also the fact that it adds to the numerous fees he is already burdened with.
White stated, “Among the various fees we encounter, trash removal and sidewalk repairs are included. We often lament about the high cost of living in Denver, and this particular fee is a prime example of that.”
Nancy Kuhn from DOTI states that currently, the city’s general fund bears a yearly expense of $700,000 to manage the residential parking permit program. Shifting this responsibility to the program beneficiaries, i.e., the residents, would be a proposed change.
White explained that the funds contributed by all city taxpayers are allocated to a program that benefits only four to five percent of the city’s residents. Therefore, the aim is to transfer the fund directly to the individuals who utilize it and derive benefits from it.
Residents appreciate that the RPP program helps alleviate parking issues for those residing in close proximity to highly frequented areas. However, they desire increased transparency from the city.
White expressed that there is an issue with the lack of communication from the city.
When it comes to parking complaints the city recommends residents to report the issue online via 311 or by phone, and complaints will be directed to the appropriate agency for follow-up.
More things that were discussed:
- The Residential Parking Permit Program helps alleviate parking issues for residents living in proximity to popular areas that draw a significant crowd, as well as locations with high parking demand such as concert halls, schools, hospitals, shopping districts, and stadiums. Through the RPP program, residents who possess a permit are exempted from the parking limitations enforced on their specific block or within a designated area.
- Instead of having the program paid for by all taxpayers through the city’s general fund – The city says it is charging the fee to those who use it; so people that are using and benefitting from the residential parking permit program – which is about 4-5% of the city’s residents – will pay to administer the program. DOTI is also asking residents to take stock of the off-street parking they have available to them.
According to Kuhn, the parking space in front of your house is not privately owned, but rather a public right of way with significant value for the entire community. As parking is a scarce resource, the city takes measures to effectively handle the demand for on-street parking, considering residents, businesses, and institutions as potential users.
