Boulder County, CO Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Passenger loading zone
- 3 minutes maximum
- Other loading zones
- 30 minutes maximum
- Posted sign
- May set shorter limit
- Applies to
- County public property
- Penalty
- $15 / $30 / $60
Summary
In a county loading zone you may load or unload only briefly: up to 3 minutes in a passenger loading zone and up to 30 minutes in any other loading zone, unless a posted sign says otherwise.
no person shall park a Vehicle in a loading zone except: a) When in a passenger loading zone, for the visible loading or unloading of passengers for a period of time not in any case to exceed three (3) minutes; or b) When in any other loading zone, for the visible loading or unloading of property for a period not to exceed thirty (30) minutes.
Full Breakdown
Ordinance 2024-1 Section III.7 prohibits parking in a loading zone except for the active loading or unloading of passengers (no more than 3 minutes) or of property (no more than 30 minutes, or a shorter time posted on a traffic or parking control device). This applies to public property in unincorporated Boulder County and to county-owned property inside city limits. General overtime-parking rules also apply, and a new separate violation can accrue if a vehicle stays illegally parked beyond the allowed time after a citation.
Violations & Fines
Overstaying a loading zone is a civil infraction penalized at $15 first offense, $30 second, and $60 third and subsequent, plus a $10 court surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I sit in a county loading zone?
Can I leave my car unattended in a loading zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado parking rules overview
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