A Resident's Guide to Centennial's Local Ordinances

Centennial is a mid-sized city in Arapahoe County, Colorado, with about 108000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 39 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in Centennial.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Centennial caps short-term rental occupancy at two renters per bedroom, with a hard maximum of 8 renters per property regardless of bedroom count. Children under 16 are exempt from the per-bedroom count.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Centennial for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Centennial regulates detached carports under Land Development Code Section 12-3-603 as accessory structures. Detached carports serving attached single-family or multifamily dwellings must be set back at least 20 feet from a building setback line on adjacent lots of a different dwelling type.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Centennial for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Centennial prohibits the sale of all fireworks within city limits. Only limited 'permissible fireworks' that do not explode, leave the ground, or fly through the air (sparklers, cones, snakes, fountains) may be used and possessed.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Centennial for details.

Parking Rules

Driveway Rules: Centennial's Land Development Code regulates driveway design and parking surfaces. The city rejected a 2019 proposal to limit yard parking area percentages.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Centennial for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Centennial follows Colorado's adopted building codes requiring pool barriers. The Colorado code requires a minimum 60-inch (5-foot) barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Centennial for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Centennial participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates development in FEMA-mapped flood zones. Building in the 100-year floodplain requires a floodplain development permit and compliance with elevation requirements.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Centennial requires dogs to be on a leash not more than 10 feet long when off the owner's property, held by a person of sufficient age and ability to restrain the animal. Dogs running at large may be impounded and owners fined.

Also covered: Beekeeping (moderate), Exotic Pets (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Centennial for details.

Fence Regulations

Neighbor Fence Rules: Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Law (CRS §35-46-112) applies in Centennial. Fences may be built on the property line with the neighbor's consent.

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Centennial for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Centennial residents served by Denver Water face strict drought restrictions. As of 2026, Stage 1 drought restricts outdoor watering to two days per week: even-numbered addresses on Sunday/Thursday, odd on Wednesday/Saturday.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Centennial for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Centennial's Land Development Code regulates signage. Home-based businesses in residential areas are generally not permitted to display commercial signs, as the business must remain incidental to residential use and not alter the neighborhood character..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Centennial for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Centennial regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance and building regulations under Chapter 18. Construction activities are generally permitted during daytime hours consistent with Colorado state noise limits.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Centennial for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Centennial includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.