Denver, CO Parking Rules: Dibs & Space Saving (2026)

Despite Denver's significant snowfall (averaging 57 inches per year), the city does not have an official 'dibs' policy or space-saving ordinance. Placing personal items such as chairs, cones, trash cans, or other objects in public parking spaces to reserve them after shoveling is not sanctioned by the City and County of Denver. Under Denver's public right-of-way regulations, placing unauthorized objects in streets or parking lanes is prohibited and items may be removed as obstructions. Denver's snow management focuses on clearing priority snow routes and enforcing the sidewalk snow removal ordinance (Denver Revised Municipal Code Section 49-179), which requires property owners and occupants to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall. During snow emergencies, the city may declare parking restrictions on designated snow emergency routes to facilitate plowing operations. The Denver Parking Division enforces various parking ordinances but does not adjudicate disputes over shoveled-out spaces. Neighborhood disputes over parking during snow events are handled informally. Unlike Chicago, where the practice is deeply cultural despite being technically prohibited, Denver lacks a strong tradition of space-saving.