What Fountain Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Fountain, Colorado may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 39 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Exotic or wild animals require compliance with El Paso County and Colorado state wildlife regulations. Certain species are prohibited from private possession under Colorado law.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate), Breed Restrictions (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Fountain for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Fountain regulates carports under Zoning Ordinance Section 17.13.060. Pre-manufactured or membrane carports are only permitted as accessory to single-family or two-family lots.

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

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Fountain Municipal Code Chapter 17.29 (Short Term Rental Unit) ties STR occupancy to the maximum permissible occupancy under applicable building, fire, health and safety codes. Sleeping quarters must be in an area approved for that occupancy and use by the City building inspector.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate), Parking Rules (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Fountain for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Fountain's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, adopted February 2021) regulates fence heights. Standard Colorado practices in similar El Paso County cities limit front-yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Fountain for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Fountain enforces noise control under its municipal code (available via Municode). The Colorado state noise framework (C.R.S.

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

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Swimming pools in Fountain must be enclosed by a barrier meeting International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requirements: minimum 48 inches, self-closing/self-latching gates. Permits are required through PPRBD..

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

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Fountain regulates parking under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the municipal code. General Colorado traffic laws (C.R.S.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Fountain for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Fountain does not require a permit to remove trees on private property under standard conditions. Trees in the public right-of-way or in designated open space require city approval.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (permissive), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Fountain for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Unlike neighboring Colorado Springs, Fountain ALLOWS permissible/Safe and Sane fireworks (Class C). Legal fireworks include fountains, sparklers, ground spinners, and smoke devices.

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

Home Business

Signage Rules: Fountain's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.12 — Signs) limits home occupation signage to small, non-illuminated signs attached to the dwelling. Freestanding signs and illuminated signs for home businesses are generally prohibited..

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

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Fountain participates in the FEMA NFIP. Portions of the city near Fountain Creek and its tributaries are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Fountain, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.