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Communications

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1. I am planning a community event and would like to have my event listed on the Town's online community calendar. How can I make this request?

To request to have an event listed on the Town's online community calendar, please email the pertinent event information to Community Affairs. Please include event time, date and location, as well as any other event information you would like to have included in your listing.

Please provide your event information in a format that is easy for us to cut and paste, such as a Word or Excel document, or in the body of the email. Events must take place in Parker and be open to the community to be published on the calendar.

2. I want to know more about what is going on in my community. What is a good way to learn about community events and happenings?

There is a lot going on in Parker and we would love to have you get involved. Two easy ways to learn about what is going on is to visit the Town's community calendar or to sign up for one of our email update lists. There are a variety of lists you can sign up for that enable you to automatically receive email updates when something is coming up in the category you select.

3. I want to contact the Parker Town Council about a concern I have, but I do not have time to attend a Council meeting. Are there other ways to make my concerns known to the Council?

The Town Council understands that our citizens are busy with family, work and other necessities. Even if you can't attend a Council meeting, we would still love to hear from you.

You can email the Town Council at or you can mail information to them at:
Parker Town Council
20120 E. Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138

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Community Development Department

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1. Do I live in Parker?

Many people who have Parker addresses actually do not live in the Town limits. If in doubt, call the Community Development Department at 303.841.2332.

2. How can I find out what is happening on a particular piece of property?

If you see a notice of public hearings sign posted on a property and want to know more about it, take down the name of the parcel and the date of the meeting on the sign and refer to the Planning Commission minutes and/or Town Council minutes for more information. The best source of information on a development proposal is the staff report included in the Planning Commission minutes.

If you are concerned about a property that does not have a notice posted, you can call or email your questions to the Community Development Department. Please have an accurate and specific location of the property ready so that we can assist you. The Community Development Department has information only on properties located within the Town or those that have applied for annexation.

Current development information is also available online or by contacting the Development Review Division.

3. What do I need to do to develop my property?

Annexations, rezonings, subdivisions and site plans all require land use applications to be submitted to the Community Development Department. From there a planner will assist you through the process. Please consult the Land Development Code (Title 13 of the Parker Municipal Code) for an overview of this process or contact the Community Development Department at 303.841.2332 for more information.

4. What if my lot is not draining properly?

All residential lots receive a grading certificate showing positive drainage that is signed and stamped by a professional land surveyor or a professional registered engineer. Your builder should provide you with a copy of this document. Commonly, drainage problems occur as the result of changes in the grading when resident's create or change landscaping. Please take into consideration the drainage patterns in your yard when you are landscaping. If changes you make to the drainage of your yard adversely affect another's yard, you are liable. If this is not the case, it is an issue that you need to address with your home builder.

5. What is the legal description and/or zoning of a property?

The legal description and/or zoning of a piece of property can be obtained by calling the Community Development Department with the address. Information on parcel numbers and ownership is obtainable from the Douglas County Assessor's Office at 303.660.7450. Much of the property in Parker is zoned PD-Planned Development. Following is a partial list of subdivisions that are zoned PD.

• Villages of Parker (Canterberry Crossing)
• Stroh Ranch
• Bradbury Ranch
• Rampart Station
• Willow Ridge
• Willow Park
• Quail Creek
• Parker Vista
• Clarke Farms
• Challenge Park Estates
• Cottonwood
• Crown Point
• Hidden River

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Municipal Court

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1. When is Court held?

Court is held on select Tuesday nights beginning at 3 p.m. If you must come to Court, you will be given a specific time and date to appear. Juveniles (under 18 at the time of their Court appearance) must be accompanied by at least one parent when making Court appearances.

2. Where can I do my community service?

Court-ordered community service must be done at any non-profit organization, usually within a three-month period. You may call the Court Clerk for clarification on the non-profit status of any organization. There is a $3.25 fee for insurance, which must be paid before starting your community service work.

The Court will supply you with a cover letter and time cards.

3. Does the Parker Municipal Court handle small claims?

Small claims are handled at the County Court in Castle Rock, which can be reached by calling 303.663.7200.

4. Does the Parker Municipal Court perform marriage ceremonies?

The Municipal Judge is able to perform marriage ceremonies in the Parker Municipal Court. For more information, please call 303.805.3195.

5. What do I need to know about jury trials?

Any Parker resident 18 years or older is eligible for jury duty. Jurors who appear are paid $3 and those who are selected to serve on the jury are paid $6. A detailed letter is sent to prospective jurors with all pertinent information. The trials will last for one day.

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PACE Center

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1. What does PACE stand for?

PACE stands for Parker Arts, Culture and Events.

2. Why did Parker build the PACE Center?

Parker built the PACE Center to increase the cultural offerings, create a community gathering place, enhance the downtown area and impact economic development. The time was favorable to take advantage of decreased construction costs, beneficial financing and the Build America Bond Program, and aid in long-term planning for the Town of Parker.

3. How much is the cost of building and how is it being paid for?

The construction cost for the PACE Center is $21.7 million. Most is financed through certificates of participation, which are much like a loan. The Town borrowed this money and will make payments for 25 years. The construction and operations are being funded out of current revenues with no tax increase.

4. Who designed and who built the PACE Center?

The PACE Center was designed by the award-winning firm of Semple Brown Design, known locally for the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the King Performing Arts Center. The general contractor for the project was Shaw Construction.

5. Where is the PACE Center located?

The PACE Center is located at the southeast corner of Mainstreet and Pine Drive in historic downtown Parker, CO.
20000 Pikes Peak Ave.
Parker, CO 80138

View directions on how to get here.

6. How big is the PACE Center?

The PACE Center is approximately 50,000 square feet. This building includes a 536-seat theater, lobby, art gallery, event room, dance studio, media lab, classrooms, catering and teaching kitchen, dressing rooms and green room, administrative offices, outdoor 250-seat amphitheater and storage.

7. What happens at the PACE Center?

The PACE Center hosts a wide variety of professional and community arts events including theater, dance, music, visual arts and classes. The space are available for rental by individuals, community and business groups for all types of functions such as weddings, conferences, fundraisers, banquets and business meetings.

8. Can my organization use the PACE Center?

Absolutely! Part of our mission is to provide space for community events. The event room, theater, amphitheater, classrooms, outdoor patios, amphitheater, art gallery, conference room, media room and dance studio are available to rent for events, meetings or performances.

9. When did the PACE Center open?

The PACE Center opened to the public on Oct. 29, 2011.

10. How do I get a job at the PACE Center?

PACE Center employment opportunities are posted on the Town of Parker website under the employment section.

11. What will happen to the Mainstreet Center?

The Mainstreet Center will continue to house fantastic events, shows, classes and art. Visit the Mainstreet Center page to learn more.

12. How do I register for a class or program?

Cultural arts and science classes are offered by the PACE Department, while many of the enrichment, sports, animal and special interest classes are offered by Parker Recreation. Visit the Classes and Programs page to learn about the offerings and register.

13. How do I buy tickets?

Online at www.PACEcenteronline.org or call 303.805.6800. Tickets range between $5 and $42.50, and they are going fast! Visit the Performances page to see the upcoming shows and purchase tickets.

14. How do I get involved?

There are many ways! Attend the performances, participate in classes, programs and events, volunteer your time, rent a space, instruct a class, donate to the Greater Parker Foundation and raise awareness for the arts in Parker. Go to Get Involved to learn more.

15. What is the Greater Parker Foundation?

The Greater Parker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports and enhances the hometown feeling and quality of life for the Parker area through fundraising and support of community goals and needs.

16. How do I donate to PACE?

Donations are accepted through the Greater Parker Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

17. How do I learn more?

Lots of information and answers can be found on our website, or you can Contact PACE.

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Parker Authority for Reinvestment

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1. Why has the Town established an Urban Renewal Authority?

The PAR provides another tool to help the Town retain its high quality of life and facilitate economic growth. PAR will do this by working with various partners in the urban renewal area to advance development and redevelopment initiatives.

2. Does the Town have any specific projects in mind?

No. The Downtown Parker Urban Renewal Plan, once adopted, will articulate a market-tested vision and provide general direction regarding the planning, financing and implementation of projects within its boundaries. The planning process and final Plan document will help the PAR Board and Town Council determine those projects that advance the vision and provide the needed impact to finance improvements.

3. What areas will be within the Urban Renewal Area?

At this time, its final Area boundaries have not yet been determined. The Town did complete a “Conditions Survey” of the downtown area in 2007 which evaluated the greater downtown area. The Survey documented the presence of five of the 11 state-qualified sources of blight. The Urban Renewal Plan may include the entire area considered in the Survey, or portions of it. PAR does have the ability to create multiple Urban Renewal Areas within the Town boundaries.

4. If an area is described as “blighted” what does that mean?

The legal term “blight” describes a wide array symptoms and causes of urban decline, which can range from physical deterioration of buildings, site improvements, and public infrastructure and the environment, to health, social and economic problems in a particular area. According to Colorado State Statute (CRS 31-25-103) (2), a blighted area is defined as follows: “Blighted area” means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four of the following factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare;...

• (a) Slum, deteriorated, or deteriorating structures;
• (b) Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout;
• (c) Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness;
• (d) Unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
• (e) Deterioration of site or other improvements;
• (f) Unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities;
• (g) Defective or unusual conditions of title rendering the title non-marketable;
• (h) The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes;
• (i) Buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work in because of building code violations, dilapidation, deterioration, defective design, physical construction, or faulty or inadequate facilities;
• (j) Environmental contamination of buildings or property;(k.5)The existence of health, safety, or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancy of sites, buildings, or other improvements;
• (l) If there is no objection of such property owner or owners and the tenant or tenants of such owner or owners, if and, to the inclusion of such property in an urban renewal area, a "blighted area" also means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of any one of the factors specified in paragraphs (a) to (k.5) of this subsection (2), substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare. For purposes of this paragraph (1), the fact that an owner of an interest in such property does not object to the inclusion of such property in the urban renewal area does not mean that the owner has waived any rights of such owner in connection with laws governing condemnation.

Source: Colorado Revised Statute 31-25-103(2).

5. How many conditions are needed to declare an area “blighted”?

As per the Statute, a “blighted area" means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four factors…” If PAR intends to use eminent domain for the acquisition of properties in the area, five conditions must be present. If the owner or owners and tenant or tenants consent, an area may be found to be blighted if only one blight factor is present.

6. Do I have to disclose a blight designation on my property when I sell it?

No. A property is not found to be “blighted,” an area is found to have conditions present which contribute to or perpetuate “blight”. The designation of “blight” in an area has a fairly short shelf life – generally limited to the time it requires to prepare and adopt the urban renewal plan. Following adoption, the emphasis tends to be on the financial opportunity provided by the availability of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

7. What is the process for establishing an urban renewal area and advancing and urban renewal plan?

1. Determine Project Planning Area Boundaries
2. Verify Presence and Location of Blighting Conditions
3. Prepare Conditions Survey *
4. Present Conditions Survey Findings to Town Council for Acceptance
5. Identify Market Opportunities Within Area and Determine Timing
6. Together with Stakeholders – Define Vision for the Redeveloped Area in Community
7. Prepare Urban Renewal Plan
8. Complete Financial Analysis (Tax Increment Finance – TIF)
9. Complete Impact Analysis (as per legislation) and Share With All Affected Taxing Bodies
10. Present Urban Renewal Plan to Town Council for Adoption
11. Issue Request for Projects
12. Implement Plan

* Based on conditions survey findings, modify boundaries for urban renewal area, if necessary.

8. How are the boundaries of an urban renewal area determined?

The Colorado Statute requires that the boundaries of the area be defined “as narrowly as feasible to accomplish the planning and development objectives of the proposed urban renewal area.” The boundaries of the conditions survey area can be defined more broadly in an effort to understand the range of factors contributing to blight. Blighted areas may include some vacant and under-utilized parcels and should include parcels influenced by key qualifying conditions.

9. Who decides what the final urban renewal plan will look like?

The Town Council designates the urban renewal area when the urban renewal plan is adopted. Input from stakeholders who participate in the public process to define a vision for the area is incorporated into the urban renewal plan. The plan is then presented to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation regarding the consistency of the plan with the Town’s comprehensive plan before the plan document is presented to Town Council for adoption.

10. Is there a deadline to adopt an urban renewal plan?

Once the Town Council opens the public hearing, it has 120 days to adopt it, refuse adoption or take no action on the plan. If it either refuses to adopt the plan or takes no action related to adoption, the Council may not consider creation of an urban renewal plan which includes the subject area for 24 months.

11. How long will it take to make the improvements identified in the urban renewal plan?

While PAR continues into perpetuity, the urban renewal area is designated as blighted for a period of 25 years from the adoption of the urban renewal plan. PAR can collect the tax increment only for that 25-year period. The length of time necessary to make improvements in the area will depend on the severity of conditions contributing to the blight conditions, market forces, and the urban renewal plan vision. PAR must continually balance decisions related to the cost of improvements (and/or projects) and potential revenue these costs may leverage.

12. What determines which properties within an urban renewal area you start with first?

As stated previously, the PAR will continually balance decisions related to the cost of improvements (and/or projects) and potential revenue these costs may leverage. The strategy for implementing the urban renewal plan, which will involve spending money to make improvements, participate in projects and encourage investment and reinvestment, will ultimately be defined by the PAR with input from stakeholders in the area. Factors to be considered include market timing, property owner interest, severity of blighting conditions and other criteria.

13. What is Tax Increment Financing (TIF)?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a statutory authorization that enables PAR to collect the net new property and municipal sales tax revenues generated within a designated urban renewal area to help finance future improvements. TIF is not an additional tax. It is the new sales and property tax revenues that would not be available but for urban renewal projects.

When a redevelopment project is being planned, the PAR will analyze how much additional property and sales taxes may be generated once the redevelopment is completed. The additional property and sales taxes or “tax increment,” can then be used by PAR as revenue for the repayment of bonds or as reimbursement to developers for a portion of their project costs. In either case, the new tax revenue that is created must be used for improvements that have a public benefit and that support the redevelopment effort, such as site clearance, streets, utilities, parks, the removal of hazardous materials or conditions or site acquisition.

14. Is PAR subject to Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)?

Since urban renewal authorities do not have the power to impose new taxes, they are not covered by TABOR. As a consequence, PAR can issue bonds and make multiple-year fiscal commitments. Also, PAR can collect TIF revenues that are not limited by the revenue and spending limits imposed by TABOR.

15. What can TIF monies be used for?

TIF revenues can be used for urban renewal projects that can include acquisition of properties; demolition and removal of buildings and improvements; installation, construction or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks and other public improvements and disposition of any property acquired or held by PAR.

16. Can the “base” value from which Tax Increment Financing is calculated go up or down?

Yes, the base for calculating the property tax increment can go up or down. The base is adjusted every two years to account for general increases in property values in the County. There can also be a decline is structures are demolished in advance of redevelopment.

17. Will my property taxes go up?

There is no additional assessment to properties within an urban renewal area and no increase in the mill levy with formation of the district. Any increase in tax payments by property owners would be associated with an action other than creation of the urban renewal area, or an increase in the taxable value of property because of investments that are happening in the area.

18. Why would I, a property / business owner, want to be included in an urban renewal area?

By initiating the process of designating an area for urban renewal, a community is sending the message that it is interested in assisting with its revitalization. Through the planning process, market opportunities are identified and the private sector is engaged in understanding these opportunities, as well as the tools which are available to assist with project implementation. Urban renewal projects include improvements in public infrastructure as well as new construction of private improvements which raise property values. Property owners and businesses benefit from both the public and private commitments and investment through association and proximity.

19. What will the urban renewal plan do for property owners in the urban renewal area?

Being in an urban renewal area will mean that PAR will be undertaking specific projects that will improve business conditions by providing updated public infrastructure and supporting new development and redevelopment of private property.

20. What won’t the urban renewal plan do for me?

Being in an urban renewal area will not prevent owners or tenants from continuing existing businesses or land uses, raise the property tax mill levy or the sales tax rate, force owners to improve their property (especially at a higher standard than outside the area), diminish the value of property and prevent property owners from selling their property.

21. How can I tap into Tax Increment Financing (TIF) dollars as a landlord, business tenant, commercial property landowner or private resident?

Qualifying expenses for TIF dollars are explained here. The method by which property owners in an area may apply for money will ultimately be determined by the PAR. PAR may either issue a Request-for-Proposals (RFP) asking property owners to bring forward projects or wait for projects to surface with continued community education. Once projects are advanced to PAR for consideration, they will be evaluated for consistency with the urban renewal plan and analyzed relative to their ability to qualify for funding.

22. Does being in an urban renewal area affect my property values?

It can affect your property values and, more often than not, in a positive way. Frequently, when an urban renewal area is designated, property values increase. This happens because private individuals begin to purchase land in anticipation of both future development and improved public infrastructure. It also happens because properties located within an urban renewal area are often perceived by the development community as valuable because of the availability of financial incentives which are not available outside the urban renewal area.

23. Does being in an urban renewal area mean my property will be condemned?

No. The ability to condemn property is a right of any municipality under eminent domain, regardless of whether or not it is in an urban renewal area. The use of condemnation by government is limited to instances deemed necessary for the “public good” and usually as a last resort. Property for an urban renewal project is most often acquired by private interests in arms-length transactions at fair market value.

24. How will I be compensated if my property is taken in a condemnation action?

The Colorado Constitution and Colorado State Statutes specifically describe the measure of compensation in a condemnation action. A property owner is entitled to the fair market value of his property. When property is taken for an urban renewal project, the owner is also entitled to moving and relocation expenses.

25. If my property is in an urban renewal area, what flexibility do I have to improve it?

The same municipal regulations which applied prior to the urban renewal designation, apply after adoption of the urban renewal plan, e.g. zoning, special districts (if any), etc. The presence of an urban renewal area does not impose additional restrictions on property use. Rather, it makes available additional tools (incentives) to assist with implementation of projects which are consistent with the urban renewal plan.

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Police Department

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1. Where can I find the latest crime statistics for Parker?

View the most recent crime reports.

2. Is there a curfew law in Parker?

The Town of Parker Police Department enforces a curfew law. For the safety of our children, please be sure that your children are not out after midnight or before 5 a.m. any morning, unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, under lawful employment, with a person 18 or older and who has a written consent of parent or guardian in their possession or engaged in religious or civic activities.

3. My neighbor's dog won't stop barking. Who do I contact?

If you are having a problem with your neighbor's dog barking, please discuss the situation with your neighbor first. If you do not get results by talking with your neighbor, and you feel the noise is loud, persistent and habitual, contact the Parker Police Department at 303.841.9800.

For more information go to barking dogs.

4. Does my dog or cat need to be licensed in the Town of Parker?

Dogs and cats in Parker no longer need to have a license issued by the Town. However, an ID tag is required to be on the dog or cat at all times.

More...

5. How do I hire off-duty police for an event?

You are required to sign a contract for off-duty police coverage and provide insurance documentation as per the contract. Hourly rate per officer is $42 with a 3-hour minimum. If a police vehicle is required, the hourly rate is $10 for the vehicle. For more information please call 303.841.9800.

6. Can I see a list of registered sex offenders in my neighborhood?

A list of registered sex offenders in Parker is accessible on our site. Visit the Registered Sex Offenders page for more information.

7. What opportunities exist for community involvement in the Police Department?

The Parker Police Department strives to involve the community in our work. The Department offers Citizen Police Academy programs, D.A.R.E. programs, crime prevention assessments and more. More...

8. Are Police report requests and other forms available online?

Yes, the Police Department has many of our forms available online, including Police Report requests, house watch forms, volunteer applications and more. View forms.

9. I am a Parker business owner interested in crime prevention. What is available to me?

The Police Department offers a wide variety of crime prevention information and tips and we have programs in place to address this issue. View our crime prevention information.

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Purchasing

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1. How do I register to receive bids?

The Town of Parker Purchasing Division posts its bids on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System. Vendors can register at www.RockyMountainBidSystem.com.

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Recreation

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1. What does my Recreation membership include?

Fitness Only Memberships are only available at the Parker Fieldhouse. This membership includes unlimited access to the cardio equipment and running / walking track in the Fieldhouse’s fitness loft. This membership does not include use of any other venue at the Parker Fieldhouse.

Parker Recreation Memberships include use of all portions of both Recreation Facilities (Parker Fieldhouse and Parker Recreation Center) during regular business hours.

2. What are the most popular times in the Recreation facilities?

The most popular times at the Parker Recreation Center are weekdays from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. The most popular times at the Parker Fieldhouse are evenings and weekends.

3. Are there certain age restrictions at the Recreation facilities?

At the Parker Recreation Center, children under eight must always be supervised by a responsible adult.

At the Parker Fieldhouse, children under 10 must always be supervised by a responsible adult.

No one under the age of 13 is allowed to use the sauna. Youth ages 13 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over in the sauna. Restrictions are based on health and safety regulations.

Please see the specific facility guidelines for additional age restrictions.

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Sales Tax

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1. If I have no tax liability, do I still need to file a tax return?

Yes, a return must always be filed even if there is no tax due. There is a minimum $10 penalty for each non-filed return regardless of the tax amount due.

2. When are my taxes due?

Tax returns are generally due on the 20th of the month following the reporting period. If the 20th falls on a holiday or a weekend, the due date is the next business day.

3. Is my tax return on time?

For a tax return to be considered timely filed, it must meet the following conditions:
• Hand delivered to the front desk at Town Hall on or before the due date of the return and the return must be stamped by Town staff with the date received.
• Postmarked on or before the due date of the return. Postmarked means date stamped by the USPS or any other third party mail carrier.
• Metered on or before the due date of the return AND received within 7 calendar days of the due date. Metered postage is regulated postage amounts printed onto an envelope for means of mailing. Date of metering is not considered the date of mailing.
• Metered on or before the due date of the return and date stamped as cleared by the USPS or other third party mail carrier on or before the due date of the return.
• Envelopes stamped without USPS cleared date or imprinted meter date will be treated as on time if received within 7 calendar days of the due date unless the date of the check falls after the return due date.

4. How often to I need to submit a tax return?

If more than $300 in tax will be remitted each month, returns must be sent in monthly. If less than $300 in tax will be remitted each month, a quarterly filing basis will be granted. An annual filing status may also be granted if monthly tax is $10 or less or at the discretion of the Finance Director.

5. What happens if I do not file on time?

When a return is not filed on time, penalty and interest are assessed and the vendor fee is disallowed. Penalty is the greater of $10.00 or 15%. Interest is calculated at a rate of 1.5% per month the return is late. Additionally, the vendor fee, which normally reduces the total tax due, is disallowed.

6. What is the vendor's fee?

A vendor fee is a reduction in tax remitted by a vendor to cover their expense of collection and remittance of Town tax. The vendor may deduct 3.33 percent of the tax due, up to $200, if they remit in a timely manner.

7. Are delivery fees taxable?

Yes. Transportation and other charges to effect delivery of tangible personal property to the purchaser are taxable.

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Snow Operations

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1. I shoveled my sidewalks and a snow plow later recovered the walks with snow. Will the Town clear the sidewalks?

The Town doesn't have the manpower to go back and clear walks. The Town doesn't intentionally cover sidewalks, however it is an unfortunate by-product of clearing streets. Plows must move at a speed great enough to get the snow off of their blade and therefore, they may inadvertently throw snow far enough to cover sidewalks.

2. How does the Town prioritize streets for snow operations?

The top priority for snow operations are arterial streets. Once the main roadways are cleared, the second priority for snow clearing are collector streets and school bus routes are the next priority. Finally, snow plows will clear local roads (non-school bus routes and cul-de-sacs), but only after 10” or more of snow has accumulated and snow continues to fall. Additional Information

3. The snow plow has blocked my driveway with snow; will plows remove piles to get me out?

The Town will make one pass along non-school bus route residential streets. It will be the resident’s responsibility to get from the driveway to the cleared path. When we plow your street, some snow will get back on your driveway and we know this can be frustrating. You can help by shoveling the snow from your driveway into your yard, as any snow you place in the street will probably be pushed back into your driveway by a passing snow plow.

4. I have an urgent meeting, doctor’s appointment, or a flight to catch – will the Town plow a path for me to get out?

The Town will accommodate emergency 9-1-1 calls only. However, we are unable to fairly prioritize the individual concerns of more than 48,000 residents.

5. Will my street be plowed from curb to curb?

Typically only a single pass (12’ to 15’ wide) will be made on local streets. Individual homeowners need to make efforts to get out to the cleared path. Plowing wider paths creates larger snow piles, which may end up blocking driveways.

The Town appreciates your assistance and understanding regarding this service. If you have questions about the status of a particular street or want to report hazardous street conditions, please call 303.841.0353 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Stormwater Utility Fee Billing & Payment

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1. What gives the Town the authority to charge me the stormwater fee?

In response to citizens' appeals to the Town to assist with the financial burden caused by stormwater runoff, the Town Council passed an ordinance (July 1999) creating this utility. The fee is used as an enterprise fund to provide the funding to pay for the services the Town would have to provide to manage the stormwater runoff.

For more information, please view Stormwater Utility Information

2. Does this fee have to be paid by non-profit or governmental entities?

Yes, the fee applies to all properties, just as water and sewer fees apply. It is a fee for service, not a tax.

3. How do residents benefit from this utility?

Many of our subdivisions had to pay through their homeowners association or Metro District for the maintenance of certain drainage facilities. This cost will now go through the Town and will assist those agencies in this responsibility, which was a potentially large liability for homeowners associations. With the Town providing assistance, the cost is spread out more.

4. How was the fee determined?

The fee was calculated after an extensive study was done of the costs of services.

Single Family Residential (sfr) Properties
The fee for these properties is based on the relative amount of impervious area on each property in Parker and will be as follows:

• 2012 - $6.30 per month


• 2013 - $6.41 per month


• 2014 and beyond - Fee will increase annually based on U.S. Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index

Commercial and Non-Residential Properties
For these properties, the fees are calculated as follows:

• Monthly fee = (SFR fee) x (total impervious area of property in square feet) / 4000 square feet.

The annual fee increase was instituted to offset inflation.

5. What is impervious area?

Impervious area is the area that will not allow stormwater to soak into the ground (infiltrate). Paved or hard-packed driveways, buildings, sidewalks and parking lots are all examples of impervious areas.

6. For commercial properties, how was impervious area determined?

The impervious area is outlined and calculated using computer software, aerial photos of the property and existing site plans on file at Town Hall.

7. Why do I have to pay the fee when I have already been required to have on-site detention on my commercial property?

The fee pays for regional facilities and improvements, which benefit all properties in Parker by accommodating runoff in major storm events. It also pays for routine maintenance of eligible drainage facilities, including your on-site detention ponds. Future commercial property owners will also be charged the stormwater utility fee each year, and will be required to implement onsite drainage facilities to ensure property owners downstream are not negatively impacted.

Policy guidelines in the Town of Parker Storm Drainage and Environmental Criteria Manual (SDECM) have been established to determine stormwater facilities that are eligible for Stormwater Utility maintenance assistance. Copies of the SDECM are available upon request at Town Hall.

8. As a commercial property owner, what do I do if I don’t agree with the calculation of the impervious area on the property?

The property owner may send a letter to the Town and request a review of the calculation stating the basis for the dispute. The letter can be emailed, faxed, mailed or brought to the Parker Town Hall at:
Town of Parker
Attn: Stormwater Billing
20120 E. Mainstreet
Parker, CO 80138
Ph: 303.841.0353
Fx: 303.840.9792
Email

Once we have received this letter, we will make a site visit to verify which areas are impervious to verify the amount. If it is wrong, we will correct it and rebill the proper amount. If it is correct, we will provide the documentation to you to show how it was calculated.

9. What if I refuse to pay my bill?

At 30 days past due, we will send a past due notice with a warning that a $25 surcharge will be added to the bill if it is not received within five days of this notice.

At 60 days past due, we will send a second past due notice containing a warning that this is the last past due notice that will be sent, that a $25 surcharge has been added to the bill, and a lien will be placed on your property for the amount due including the $25 surcharge when the bill reaches 90 days past due.

At 90 days past due, a lien will be filed on your property with Douglas County for the amount due plus $25. The fee will then be collected through the property tax system.