Parking Rules in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Overnight Parking

Aurora has no general overnight parking ban on residential streets. Vehicles may be parked overnight subject to the 72-hour maximum, snow route restrictions, and any posted time-limited zones or permit-parking areas.

Key details: General Ban: No — overnight allowed. Max Stay: 72 hours. Parks Closed: 11 PM to 5 AM. HOA Rules May Apply: Yes.

Overnight parking violations are typically enforced only when combined with 72-hour rule breaches, snow emergencies, or specific posted restrictions.

Aurora is more permissive than most cities when it comes to overnight parking. That said, there are still limits.

EV Charging

Colorado law (CRS 38-12.6-102) bars HOAs from prohibiting Level 2 EV chargers at owner-occupied properties. Aurora requires permits for dedicated 240V charger installation and encourages EV-ready wiring in new construction.

Key details: HOA Protection: CRS 38-12.6-102. Permit Required: Yes, 240V hardwired. Issuing Office: Aurora Building Division. Rebates: Xcel Energy program.

Permit-less electrical work is a building code violation. HOAs denying a reasonable EV charger request can be challenged under CRS 38-12.6-102.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Aurora gives residents more flexibility on ev charging.

Abandoned Vehicles

Under CRS 42-4-1806 and Aurora City Code, a vehicle left on public property for more than 72 hours or on private property without permission for 72 hours is abandoned. Aurora tags, tows, and impounds abandoned vehicles.

Key details: State Law: CRS 42-4-1806. Time Threshold: 72 hours. Report: 303-739-7280. Tow Fee Range: 200 dollars plus storage.

Abandoned vehicle fines start around 50 dollars plus towing (approx 200 dollars) and daily storage (approx 25 to 40 dollars). Inoperable vehicles visible from the street compound violations.

Compared to other cities, Aurora takes a harder line on abandoned vehicles. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Street Parking Limits

Aurora limits street parking to 72 consecutive hours in the same location. Vehicles must be moved at least one block after 72 hours. Street sweeping, snow routes, and posted time limits also apply.

Key details: Maximum Stay: 72 hours. Code: Aurora City Code Section 134-321. Snow Route Trigger: 4+ inches declared emergency. Report: 303-739-7280.

72-hour violations begin with a warning or citation and can result in towing at owner expense. Snow route violations carry fines plus tow and storage fees.

RV & Boat Parking

Aurora enacted updated RV parking regulations on August 28, 2023. RVs may park on public streets for a maximum of 5 days. Travel trailers, campers, and motorized dwellings may not be used as dwelling units outside designated RV parks. RVs must park on paved surfaces, not lawns.

Key details: Street Limit: 5 days maximum. Living In: Prohibited outside RV parks. Surface: Must be paved, not lawn. Code: City Code §134-358.

RV street parking over 5 days: parking citation. Using an RV as a dwelling: code violation. Parking on grass: code violation. Report to 303-739-7000.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Aurora prohibits parking commercial vehicles over 12,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. Smaller commercial vehicles (one per dwelling) may be parked on-site subject to UDO restrictions on signage, hours, and placement.

Key details: GVWR Limit (Residential): 12,000 lbs. Allowed: One vehicle per dwelling, on driveway. Code: Aurora UDO and City Code Ch. 134. Report: 303-739-7280.

Illegal commercial vehicle parking may result in code citations, towing, and impoundment. Fines increase for repeat offenders.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Driveway Rules

Aurora requires vehicles in residential driveways to be parked on an approved hard surface (concrete, asphalt, or pavers). Parking on lawns or unimproved areas of the front yard is prohibited under the Unified Development Ordinance.

Key details: Approved Surface: Concrete, asphalt, pavers. Code: Aurora UDO Section 146-4.7. Curb Cut Permit: Required from Public Works. Complaints: 303-739-7280.

Parking on unimproved surfaces is a municipal code violation subject to warning followed by citation and fines. Repeat violations may escalate penalties.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.