Fort Collins will need more than $30 million to fully address future parking issues downtown but its city planners say too much opposition exists to install meters on street parking – at least for now.

Instead, a pay-by-cell phone option, developer impact fees and tapping certain existing tax funds are ideas Fort Collins may consider as it searches for the best way to ease parking shortages in its downtown.

Street meters just raised too many objections from too many businesses, so they were removed from the list of suggestions developed by city planners.

Timothy Wilder, a senior planner in charge of pulling together the city’s Parking Plan, said metered parking would be given serious consideration again only after a series of “triggers” were pulled including pronounced parking shortages.

Among other advantages, meters would have helped the city raise money for more parking.

City planners began their study of the issue last year in response to growing concerns about parking.

At least 1,000 new spaces are needed in the next decade to 15 years, according to their study.

An advisory panel cited by planners in their report to the City Council said