Fact or Fiction?

Economic Development staff and restauranteurs alike are constantly evaluating Parker for potential new eating establishments. Some of these are emerging quick-serve concepts (i.e. Smashburger, Modern Market) while others are more traditional sit-down establishments. As in any new business, the controlling factor is often economics and this is a particularly tough equation for restaurants given Parker’s limited daytime economy. Most restaurants require both lunch and dinner demand cycles in order to succeed. However, Parker’s continued commercial growth and increasing population density make the Town an ever increasing target for new restaurants.

Thank you for your question. The Town of Parker municipal code defines engaged in business as “performing or providing services or selling, leasing, renting, delivering or installing tangible personal property for storage, use or consumption within the Town." The Town of Parker does not discriminate on the basis of age. Since we have limited compliance resources, we tend to focus our effort on appropriate compliance objectives. 

Hello and thank you for the question. School traffic is certainly an issue for not only the Town of Parker, but other jurisdictions throughout Douglas County. The reduction in school bus service over the years has resulted in congestion near schools and increased traffic townwide. The Town has worked successfully with several charter schools that do not have bus service to implement staggered schedules, which has dramatically improved localized traffic congestion. The Town will continue to look for opportunities with other charter schools to implement staggered schedules when they become available.

To our knowledge, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) has not implemented staggered schedules for traditional public schools in Parker. Residents can contact DCSD to inquire about any plans it might be considering to reduce congestion related to school traffic.

Ryne Dittmer, Engagement Strategist

Thank you for your question. No, this statement is not accurate. Incentive agreements are always structured to be revenue positive for the Town — resulting in a net gain — as projects are required to generate sales tax revenue in order to have a portion rebated back to them. A majority of sales tax rebates approved under the Town’s current ordinances have been at rates of 50 percent or less. Once the duration of the rebate agreement is reached, or the maximum amount rebated, the Town then receives 100 percent of sales tax revenues generated for as long as that particular business remains in Parker.  The use of incentive programs has spurred business development within the Town of Parker, which likely would not have happened otherwise, resulting in continued sales tax revenue to support Town programs, services and amenities. 

Thank you for your question. The keeping of chickens would not be permitted in any residential neighborhood in the Town of Parker because the code requires that chickens and other fowl can’t be located closer than 200 feet to any neighboring home or business. The complete regulation can be found in the Parker Municipal Code under Section 13.04.190. 

Thanks for your question! While ADU's are not permitted Town-wide, they are permitted in some Planned Development zone districts. To check a specific address, you can contact the Town's Community Development Department at 303.841.2332. 

Hello, Andre.

The Town of Parker’s original incorporation in 1981 was centered around the intersection of Parker Road and Mainstreet. All of the surrounding area (including Cottonwood) was in unincorporated Douglas County. Unincorporated property owners, when they develop, can choose whether to develop in the County or in Town. In the case of Cottonwood, it appears that certain developers chose to incorporate and develop in Town and other developers chose to remain in unincorporated Douglas County for their development.

Property owners within unincorporated Douglas County neighborhoods that are adjacent to the Town of Parker may choose to incorporate into the Town through an election.

Hello, YS. Basketball hoops located on the side of a public street would violate section 8.02.020 of the Parker Municipal Code: 

8.02.020 - Obstructing street and sidewalks.

* It is unlawful for any person to willfully, maliciously, negligently or recklessly place in any doorway or driveway not owned by him or her or under his or her lawful control or on any sidewalk, public highway, street or alley in the Town, any subject which causes or tends to cause the obstruction thereof or of any part thereof.

* (Ord. 5.06.4 §2(3-22), 1989)

Violations of the Parker Municipal Code can be reported to the Community Services Division of the Parker Police Department at 303.841.9800.

Andy Anderson, Communications Manager

Hello, klmickartz. From a Town perspective, pools are permitted as an accessory use to homes here in Parker. Residents are required to go through the permitting process with our Building Division when adding a pool. We also recommend that residents reach out to their water and sanitation provider and homeowner's association to ensure they do not have any restrictions.

Andy Anderson, Communications Manager

Hello. Thank you for contacting us about cycling in Parker. Two things to note from your question: 

1. The Town of Parker does not have laws prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks. We hope that cyclists using Parker's sidewalks follow proper trail etiquette, such as observing trail speed limits (15 mpg) and yielding to pedestrians and equestrians when appropriate. 

2. Regarding the lack of bike lanes on Chambers Road northbound from Lincoln Road, much of that roadway is actually not within the Town of Parker's boundary. The bulk of that stretch of road is in unincorporated Douglas County. 

If you have any other questions about cycling in Parker, just let us know!

Andy Anderson, Communications Manager