Denver's Firearms: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles firearms a little differently. In Denver, Colorado, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Open Carry

Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms, but Denver bars open and concealed carry in many designated places under DRMC 38-117.5. Posted city buildings, parks, and stadiums prohibit firearms; violators face municipal charges plus state penalties.

Key details: City code: DRMC 38-117.5. State authority: C.R.S. 29-11.7-104. Sensitive places: Parks, libraries, plazas. Posting required: Visible signage at entry.

Open carry in a posted Denver sensitive place violates DRMC 38-117.5 with municipal fines up to nine hundred ninety-nine dollars and up to three hundred sixty-four days in jail, plus possible state weapons charges and seizure.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Denver actively enforces its open carry requirements.

Local Firearms Preemption

Colorado has limited firearm preemption, letting Denver enforce DRMC chapter 38 rules. The Denver assault weapon ban under DRMC 38-130 was upheld in court. Colorado SB23-169 raised the purchase age to 21 statewide for most firearms.

Key details: Local preemption: Repealed by SB21-256. Denver code: DRMC chapter 38. Assault weapon ban: DRMC 38-130 upheld. Purchase age: Twenty-one under SB23-169.

Possessing a banned assault weapon under DRMC 38-130 is a municipal offense with fines up to nine hundred ninety-nine dollars per item and up to three hundred days in jail. State firearm crimes carry separate felony penalties.

Concealed Carry

Concealed handgun permits in Denver are issued by the Denver Sheriff Department under C.R.S. 18-12-201. Applicants need training, background checks, and the new HB23-1219 three-day waiting period applies to any firearm purchase.

Key details: Issuing agency: Denver Sheriff Department. Statute: C.R.S. 18-12-201. Waiting period: Three days HB23-1219. Permit term: Five years.

Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid permit violates C.R.S. 18-12-105.5, a class 2 misdemeanor; school grounds carry under C.R.S. 18-12-105.5 is a class 1 misdemeanor with permit revocation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Denver's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Firearms in Vehicles

Colorado C.R.S. 18-12-105 lets non-permit holders carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property. Long guns must be unloaded under hunting rules. Denver bans firearms inside city-owned vehicles and parking structures.

Key details: Statute: C.R.S. 18-12-105. Loaded handgun: Allowed in private car. Long gun hunting: Unloaded transport. City vehicles: Firearms banned.

Unlawful carrying in a vehicle outside C.R.S. 18-12-105 protections is a class 2 misdemeanor with up to one hundred twenty days jail and seven hundred fifty dollar fines, plus federal charges near school zones.

The Bottom Line

Denver is tougher than many cities when it comes to firearms. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Denver, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Denver's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.