At its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Durango City Council directed staff to begin a feasibility study for a Neighborhood Parking Permit program in the city’s Boulevard neighborhood. The proposed program would allow non‑residents to obtain time‑limited parking permits, a move council members said could help manage growing parking demand while preserving access for local businesses and visitors.
According to the city’s official website, councilors voted to have staff develop a range of permit‑management strategies but did not request approval of a final program at this stage. The resolution was amended to require an engagement process that will include a focus group, ensuring community input as the study progresses.
Staff presented four management strategies for council consideration. Council members chose not to maintain the current unrestricted parking arrangement nor to create a full resident‑only permit zone. Instead, they opted for a middle‑ground approach that will be refined over the coming weeks.
Next steps outlined by the council include defining the geographic boundaries of the permit area, establishing eligibility criteria, setting visitor‑parking provisions, determining enforcement practices, and developing pricing structures. Staff will also assess the operational impacts of any proposed system before presenting further recommendations.
While the council did not set a specific timeline for a public hearing on the parking proposal, the inclusion of a focus group signals that residents will have an opportunity to share feedback. Council members emphasized that the study aims to balance the needs of Boulevard’s homeowners, local businesses, and the broader Durango community.
What’s next? Staff will continue to refine the program details and organize the focus group. Residents interested in the study are encouraged to submit comments through the city’s “Engage” webpage. Future council meetings will likely address the findings and determine whether a formal public hearing will be scheduled.
Sources: durangoco.gov
