Loveland's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Loveland, Colorado, there are 11 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Street Parking Limits

Street parking in Loveland is governed by Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code, which adopts the 2003 Model Traffic Code by reference, supplemented by C.R.S. 42-4-1204 (state-law no-parking distances). Downtown has free two-hour on-street parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. there is no time limit; and from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. downtown on-street parking is prohibited so plows and street sweepers can work. State-law no-parking distances - 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection - apply citywide.

Key details: Primary Code: Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). Downtown 2-Hr Limit: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.. Downtown Free Hours: 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.. Plow/Sweep Window: 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. (no parking). Hydrant Clearance: 15 feet (C.R.S. 42-4-1204).

Parking on a downtown Loveland on-street space between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. (and on the wrong-side day of week under the alternating schedule) is a citable Title 10 violation. Exceeding the two-hour limit in posted downtown zones between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. is a separate citable violation. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within an intersection itself, on a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway violates C.R.S. 42-4-1204 as adopted by Loveland. Loveland Municipal Court adds standard court costs ($35) plus surcharge ($15) to traffic infraction fines.

Curb Color Rules

Curb markings and colored-curb paint on Loveland public streets are installed and maintained only by the City of Loveland following Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards; private property owners may not paint, alter, or add markings to a public curb. The underlying state-law no-parking distances in C.R.S. 42-4-1204 still apply where paint has faded or is unmarked - including the 15-foot setback from a fire hydrant and the 20-foot setback from a crosswalk at an intersection.

Key details: Marking Authority: City Public Works only (MUTCD). Hydrant Clearance: 15 feet (C.R.S. 42-4-1204). Crosswalk Setback: 20 feet at intersection. Sidewalk/Driveway: No parking (C.R.S. 42-4-1204). Resident Curb Paint: Not permitted.

Painting, repainting, or altering a public curb in Loveland without city authorization is unauthorized work in the public right-of-way and may require restoration to city standards at the property owner's expense plus civil penalties. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within an intersection, on a sidewalk, in front of a public or private driveway, or in any space where official signs prohibit stopping violates C.R.S. 42-4-1204 as adopted by Loveland through Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic).

Snow Removal Parking Rules

Loveland places primary responsibility for sidewalk snow removal on the abutting property owner or occupant. Under the City of Loveland Municipal Code, Chapter 12.24 (Street and Sidewalk Maintenance), residents are responsible for clearing all snow from sidewalks and driveways within 24 hours after a snowfall ceases. The owner or occupant is liable for any injuries and property damage caused by a failure to comply. Snow must be piled on the lawn, not in the street. Downtown, on-street parking is prohibited every day from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. to allow snow plows and street sweepers to work, with an alternating side-of-street pattern by day of week.

Key details: Primary Code: Chapter 12.24 Street and Sidewalk Maintenance. Sidewalk Clearing Window: 24 hours after snowfall ceases. Civil Liability: Owner/occupant liable for injuries. Where to Pile Snow: On lawn, not in street. Downtown Plow Hours: 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. (no parking, alt. sides).

Failing to clear all snow from a sidewalk or driveway within 24 hours after a snowfall ceases violates Chapter 12.24 (Street and Sidewalk Maintenance) of the Loveland Municipal Code, and the owner or occupant is liable for any injuries and property damage caused by the non-compliance. Pushing or piling shoveled snow into the street rather than on the lawn is a related violation. Parking on downtown on-street spaces between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. - or on the wrong side of the street for the day of week under the alternating side-of-street rule - blocks plows and sweepers and is enforceable under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic).

Compared to other cities, Loveland takes a harder line on snow removal parking rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Driveway Rules

Driveway and on-lot parking in Loveland is regulated through the Unified Development Code (Title 18) and Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). Driveway approaches and curb cuts in the public right-of-way require a permit from City of Loveland Public Works. Parking that blocks a public sidewalk, the curb apron, or a driveway is enforceable under Title 10 and under Colorado state law C.R.S. 42-4-1204. Outdoor parking of RVs, trailers, boats, and oversized commercial vehicles in residential districts is constrained by both Title 10 (residential right-of-way ban) and Title 18 zoning standards.

Key details: On-Lot Standards: Title 18 (Unified Development Code). Curb Cut Permit: Required from City of Loveland Public Works. Sidewalk Blocking: Prohibited (Title 10 / C.R.S. 42-4-1204). Hydrant Clearance: 15 feet (C.R.S. 42-4-1204). Complaint Line: LPD 970-667-2151.

Parking across a public sidewalk, blocking a private driveway, or parking on the curb apron is a violation enforceable under Title 10 of the Loveland Municipal Code and under C.R.S. 42-4-1204. Constructing or widening a driveway approach or curb cut in the City of Loveland right-of-way without a Public Works permit is a separate violation that can require restoration to city standards plus penalties. Outdoor storage of RVs, boats, or trailers in residential front yards in violation of Title 18 (Unified Development Code) is enforceable by code enforcement.

EV Charging

Loveland follows Colorado state EV law. HB 23-1233 (Electric Vehicle Charging & Parking Requirements, 2023) expanded the right of unit owners in HOA-governed common interest communities to install EV charging equipment in their unit, in assigned or deeded parking spaces, and in general common element spaces, and requires HOAs and landlords to allow EVs and plug-in hybrids to park on the premises. HB 22-1218 added EV-ready and EV-installed construction requirements that flow through to Loveland's adopted state Building Code starting with the 2024 code cycle. Loveland Water and Power operates public charging stations citywide, supported by Platte River Power Authority's rebate program (up to $5,000 for public Level 2 installations).

Key details: HOA/Condo EV Rights: CO HB 23-1233 (2023). New Construction EV-Ready: CO HB 22-1218 (2024 code). Home Install Permit: City of Loveland Building Division. Utility Provider: Loveland Water and Power. Public Charger Rebate: Up to $5,000 via Platte River PA.

An HOA or condo association in Loveland that unreasonably prohibits a unit owner from installing EV charging equipment in a unit, assigned parking space, accessible parking space, or general common element, or that refuses to allow an EV or plug-in hybrid to park on the premises, violates Colorado HB 23-1233 (codified in the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act). Installing a Level 2 home charger in Loveland without an electrical permit through the City of Loveland Building Division is a code violation that may require after-the-fact permitting and inspection. New construction that fails to meet EV-ready / EV-installed requirements under HB 22-1218 and the adopted 2024 Building Code is a building code violation.

Loveland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Loveland directly limits commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Under Title 10 of the Loveland Municipal Code, no person may park any truck or bus exceeding six thousand pounds empty weight, any truck-tractor, trailer, or semitrailer for longer than one hour on a public right-of-way within a residentially zoned area. A parallel provision bans street, highway, or alleyway parking of trucks over one ton load capacity, semi-trailers, commercial vehicles, and construction equipment in residential and residential-use districts entirely, except for an active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction at an abutting premises.

Key details: Residential Street Ban: Trucks over 1 ton load capacity. Empty Weight Cap: 6,000 lbs - 1 hour limit. Active Use Exception: Pickup, delivery, service, construction. Hydrant/Crosswalk: C.R.S. 42-4-1204 (15 ft / 20 ft). Enforcement: LPD 970-667-2151.

Parking a truck over one ton load capacity, a trailer, semi-trailer, commercial vehicle, or construction equipment on any street, highway, or alleyway within a Loveland residential zoning district outside an active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction operation violates Title 10. Leaving any truck or bus exceeding 6,000 lbs empty weight, any truck-tractor, trailer, semi-trailer, trailer coach, mobile home, or detached camper on a residentially zoned public right-of-way longer than one hour is a separate Title 10 violation. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk, or on a sidewalk also violates C.R.S. 42-4-1204.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Loveland actively enforces its commercial vehicle restrictions requirements.

Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles in Loveland are governed by Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code, which adopts the 2003 Model Traffic Code by reference and incorporates state abandonment law. In 2018, the Loveland City Council adopted a Loveland Police Department-recommended revision that raised the right-of-way time cap for sleeping/dwelling-type vehicles (camper coaches, camper trailers, motor homes) from twenty-four hours to seventy-two hours and shifted the standard to a factors-based 'deserted, discarded, or inoperable' assessment, giving LPD greater flexibility on timing for reports to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Key details: Primary Code: Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). Model Code Adopted: 2003 Model Traffic Code. Right-of-Way Window: 72 hours (2018 revision). Camper/RV Window: 72 hours (raised from 24 in 2018). Report Line: LPD 970-667-2151.

Leaving a vehicle on a Loveland public right-of-way for more than seventy-two hours, or leaving a camper coach, camper trailer, or motor home for more than the 2018-revised seventy-two-hour window, allows the Loveland Police Department to tag and tow the vehicle under Title 10 of the Loveland Municipal Code. A vehicle that LPD reasonably determines to be deserted, discarded, or inoperable may be removed even within that window. Storing an inoperable or unregistered vehicle on private property in violation of Title 18 (Unified Development Code) and the city's nuisance ordinances is enforceable by Code Enforcement.

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

RV & Boat Parking

Loveland regulates RV, motorhome, camper trailer, and boat-trailer parking on the public right-of-way through Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code. In residentially zoned districts, RVs, trailers, boats, and any truck over one ton load capacity may not be parked, stationed, or stored on any street, highway, or alleyway except for active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction. A separate provision caps street parking of trailer coaches, motor homes, camper trailers, and detached campers in residential zones to a defined permissible window, with the Loveland Police Department's 2018 code revision moving that window to seventy-two hours and shifting the standard toward a 'deserted, discarded, or inoperable' assessment.

Key details: Primary Code: Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). Residential Street Ban: RVs/trailers/boats prohibited except active use. Heavy Vehicle Limit: 1 hour if over 6,000 lb empty weight. Sleeping/Dwelling Vehicle Window: 72 hours (2018 revision). Police Non-Emergency: 970-667-2151.

Parking an RV, motor home, camper trailer, boat trailer, or any truck over one ton load capacity on a Loveland residentially zoned street, highway, or alleyway outside an active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction operation violates Title 10 of the Loveland Municipal Code. Leaving a trailer coach, mobile home, motor home, or detached camper on a residentially zoned right-of-way longer than one hour (for vehicles over 6,000 lbs empty weight) is a separate violation. After the 2018 revision, a sleeping/dwelling vehicle left over seventy-two hours, or reasonably determined to be deserted, discarded, or inoperable, may be tagged and towed under Title 10 abandonment provisions.

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

Overnight Parking

Loveland does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban on properly registered passenger vehicles on most residential streets. Downtown, however, on-street parking is prohibited every night from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. so snow plows and street sweepers can work, with an alternating side-of-street pattern by day of week. Sleeping or dwelling-type vehicles (camper coaches, camper trailers, motor homes) on a public right-of-way are limited to 72 hours under the 2018 Loveland Police Department ordinance revision and may also be tagged for tow when 'reasonably determined to be deserted, discarded, or inoperable.'

Key details: Citywide Overnight Ban: None for passenger vehicles. Downtown Plow Window: 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. (no parking). Downtown Side-of-Street: Alternates by weekday. Camper/RV Window: 72 hours (2018 revision). Enforcement: LPD 970-667-2151.

Parking on a downtown Loveland on-street space between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., or parking on the wrong side of the street for the day of week under the alternating schedule, is a citable Title 10 violation. Storing a camper coach, camper trailer, or motor home on a public right-of-way for more than seventy-two hours violates the 2018-revised Title 10 abandonment provision. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway violates C.R.S. 42-4-1204. Residential-zone street parking of trucks over 6,000 lbs empty weight beyond one hour is a separate Title 10 violation.

Loading Zones

Loading zones in Loveland are installed and signed by the city under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code, following Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. A vehicle may not park in a loading zone unless actively loading or unloading passengers or property, must have flashers on, and must stay within the posted time allowance (typically 30 minutes or less). Active loading and unloading is treated separately from 'parking' under C.R.S. 42-4-1204. Downtown loading vehicles must still clear the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. plow/sweep window.

Key details: Loading Authority: Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). Active Use Exception: Per C.R.S. 42-4-1204. Typical Time Allowance: 30 minutes or less. Flashers Required: Yes, while in zone. Downtown Plow Window: 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. (no parking).

Parking a non-delivery vehicle in a signed loading zone outside the active loading window, without flashers, or beyond the posted time allowance (usually 30 minutes or less) is a citable parking violation under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code. Loading vehicles must still comply with C.R.S. 42-4-1204 distance restrictions (15 feet from a fire hydrant, 20 feet from an intersection crosswalk, no parking on sidewalks or in front of driveways). Loading vehicles on downtown on-street spaces between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. violate the city's plow/sweep parking prohibition.

Oversized Vehicle Parking

Loveland directly limits oversized vehicles on residential streets. Under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Loveland Municipal Code, it is unlawful to park, station, or store any truck over one ton load capacity, trailer, semi-trailer, commercial vehicle, recreational vehicle, motor home, boat, trailer, or any construction equipment on any street, highway, or alleyway within residential zoning districts, except for active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction at an abutting premises. Any truck or bus exceeding 6,000 pounds empty weight, any truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, trailer coach, mobile home, or detached camper unit may not park on a residentially zoned public right-of-way for longer than one hour.

Key details: Residential Street Ban: Trucks over 1 ton load capacity. Empty Weight Cap: 6,000 lbs - 1 hour residential limit. Sleeping/Dwelling Vehicles: 72 hours (2018 revision). Active Use Exception: Pickup/delivery/service/construction. Enforcement: LPD 970-667-2151.

Parking a truck over one ton load capacity, semi-trailer, commercial vehicle, RV, motor home, boat, trailer, or construction equipment on a Loveland residentially zoned street, highway, or alleyway outside an active pickup, delivery, service call, or construction operation violates Title 10. Leaving any truck or bus over 6,000 lbs empty weight, any truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, trailer coach, mobile home, or detached camper on a residentially zoned right-of-way for more than one hour is a separate Title 10 violation. Sleeping or dwelling-type vehicles over 72 hours violate the 2018-revised Title 10 abandonment provision. Distance restrictions under C.R.S. 42-4-1204 apply citywide.

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

The Bottom Line

Loveland is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 11 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Loveland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Loveland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.