Crested Butte council adjusts parking fines in town

Biggest increase for those parking illegally in ADA spots 

By Mark Reaman

Parking fines in Crested Butte are going up, particularly for those who park illegally in an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) space. It has been more than a decade since fines have been adjusted and on Monday, May 20, the council agreed with Crested Butte chief marshal Mike Reily that it was time to make some adjustments.

General parking violation fees will go from $20 to $40. Winter parking fines will rise from $25 to $50. The “handicap parking space violation” will go from $50 to $200. Reily had suggested that fine go up to $125 but council wanted to be more punitive in that situation.

“These fines are much less than the amounts charged under the Interstate Parking plan and are well under the fines of comparable municipalities,” Reily informed the council in a memo. He cited examples where Aspen charges $75 for general parking violations and Breckenridge charges $50. ADA violations are $250 in Aspen and $125 in Glenwood.

Councilmember Anna Fenerty advocated for the higher fine for those parking in spaces designated for physically challenged people. She at first suggested $250 instead of Reily’s recommended $125. She said there is no excuse for anyone without the appropriate need to park in such spaces.

“I agree with Anna and think the fine should be higher if someone illegally takes away a handicap spot,” said councilmember Gabi Prochaska.

Councilmember Kent Cowherd voiced that he felt the $125 was a lot of money and an appropriate deterrent.

 Citizen Donny Davol suggested putting the fine amount on the sign so as to discourage misuse by other drivers.

Bruce Eckel said his mother needed the ADA parking spots and it was frustrating when they weren’t available because someone not entitled to the spot filled it. “Stick it to them,” he urged the council.

They did by agreeing to make that fine $200.