Loveland's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Loveland, Colorado, there are 5 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.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Loveland applies LMC Title 16 (Nuisances) uniformly to vacant and occupied lots. Vegetation (other than approved native or ornamental grasses) may not exceed 8 inches in height. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (Title 35, Article 5.5, C.R.S.) requires control of state-listed species. The City issues a 7-day weed warning; non-compliance triggers City mowing billed to the owner at cost plus 10%.

Key details: Weed Height Limit: 8 inches (LMC Title 16). Native/Ornamental Grass Exception: Allowed under approved plan. State Weed Law: Colorado Noxious Weed Act, Title 35 Article 5.5 C.R.S.. Weed Warning Period: 7 days written notice. Abatement Charge: Cost + 10% administrative surcharge.

7-day warning; failure to comply results in City-contracted mowing or cleanup billed at actual cost plus 10% administrative surcharge under LMC Title 16. Report at 970-962-2522.

Trash Bin Storage

Loveland Solid Waste (a city-operated service) requires residents to set out trash and recycling carts by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day. Carts must be at the curb with wheels against the curb, with 3 feet of clearance from obstructions, 2 feet of space on either side of carts for the automated arm, and lids closed. Only city-provided carts are collected - no extra bags or boxes.

Key details: Service Provider: Loveland Solid Waste (city-operated). Set-Out Time: By 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Cart Position: Wheels against curb. Clearance from Obstructions: 3 feet. Space Between Carts: 2 feet on either side.

Carts placed late, with lids open, beyond clearance limits, or with extra bags beside them may be skipped. Persistent non-compliance enforced under the Loveland Solid Waste service rules. Contact 970-962-2529.

Loveland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to trash bin storage. That said, there are still limits.

Property Blight

Loveland regulates property blight under LMC Title 16 - Nuisances (consolidated in 2020). Outdoor accumulation of trash, junk, scrap, and debris; inoperable vehicles; and dilapidated structures are nuisances. The City issues a Notice and Order to Abate; non-compliance triggers City-contracted abatement billed to the owner at cost plus ten percent (10%), plus administrative enforcement.

Key details: Code Title: LMC Title 16 - Nuisances. Notice Process: Notice and Order to Abate. Standard Compliance Period: 10 days (varies by violation). Weed Compliance Period: 7 days. Abatement Billing: Actual cost + 10% administrative surcharge.

Notice and Order to Abate first; if owner does not comply, City-contracted abatement is billed to the owner at cost plus 10% under Title 16. Repeat violations subject to administrative enforcement. Report at 970-962-2522.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Under Loveland Municipal Code Chapter 12.24 (Street and Sidewalk Maintenance), residents are responsible for clearing all snow from sidewalks and driveways within 24 hours after snow fall ceases. The owner or occupant is liable for any injuries and property damage resulting from failure to comply. Piling or blowing snow into a public right-of-way is also prohibited.

Key details: Code Chapter: LMC Chapter 12.24 - Street and Sidewalk Maintenance. Deadline: Within 24 hours after snow fall ceases. Coverage: Sidewalks AND driveways. Responsible Party: Owner or occupant. Civil Liability: Yes - for injuries and property damage from failure to clear.

Notice and Order to Abate; persistent non-compliance triggers City-contracted shoveling billed at actual cost plus 10% administrative surcharge. Owner/occupant also liable for slip-and-fall injuries and property damage per LMC 12.24. Report at 970-962-2522.

Garage Sale Rules

Loveland regulates garage sales under LMC Chapter 5.44 (Garage Sales) within Title 5 - Business Licenses and Regulations. The chapter sets frequency and duration limits on residential sales so that homes do not operate as de facto retail businesses. Sale of personal household items is not subject to Loveland sales tax. Off-premise signs are separately prohibited under UDC 18.04.08.

Key details: Code Chapter: LMC Chapter 5.44 - Garage Sales. Title: Title 5 - Business Licenses and Regulations. Sales Tax: Not collected on personal household items. Sign Code: UDC 18.04.08 - on-premise only. City Clerk: 970-962-2392.

Holding garage sales outside the Chapter 5.44 frequency/duration limits may be treated as unlicensed retail business under LMC Title 5. Off-premise signage in the right-of-way removed under UDC 18.04.08. Report at 970-962-2522.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Loveland gives residents more flexibility on garage sale rules.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Loveland gives residents more room on property maintenance. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Loveland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.