La Plata County, CO Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Loading zones are one of the parking control zone types the county can create on county roads under Article II of Chapter 54 of the La Plata County Code. Section 54-81 lists Loading beside no parking, no standing and no stopping, and also authorizes restrictive zones for taxis, buses, limousines, courtesy vans and rental cars. Section 54-32 applies the article to all county roads within the county and to the Durango-La Plata County Airport premises and grounds.

The road maintenance director designates parking control zones on county roads under Section 54-56. Under Section 54-84, the director of aviation or the road maintenance director designates zones in writing and submits them to the Board of County Commissioners. A zone is effective unless the Board rescinds or revises it within ten days of receipt, and the designations are recorded in the commissioners' minutes. Zones are marked by signs in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Section 54-111 is the operative rule. When official signs are erected giving notice, no person can stand or park a vehicle in a bus, taxi, limousine or commercial vehicle loading zone, except commercial vehicles while loading or unloading passengers or freight. Standing in those zones is by permit only, and the permit is issued by the airport to qualifying vehicles. Section 54-110 separately bars stopping, standing or parking in any restricted parking zone for any purpose other than the one on the official sign, during the period the restriction is effective.

The article prints no clock hours or time limits for loading zones. The posted sign carries the hours and purpose, and Section 54-109 makes it unlawful to violate a posted restriction except to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with a police officer.

Any peace officer, including reserve or temporary deputies commissioned by the county sheriff, can enforce these provisions under Section 54-85. The director of aviation is the chief parking enforcement officer at the Durango-La Plata County Airport. Fines and forfeitures go to the county treasury, and those from violations on airport premises go to the account of the airport under Section 54-33.