Centennial's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter
If you live in Centennial or are thinking about moving there, public conduct are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Centennial has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of public conduct, and some of them might surprise you.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Centennial bans smoking anywhere inside Centennial Center Park and the Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space, trails, picnic areas and playgrounds included, under park rules enforced separately from the city's indoor Clean Indoor Air ordinance.
Key details: Centennial Center Park: Smoking banned everywhere. Parker Jordan Open Space: Smoking banned everywhere. Minimum fine: $100 (Center Park violation). Business patios: Exempt under Article 6.
A park smoking violation is a minor offense; Centennial Center Park violations carry a minimum $100 fine under Section 11-7-60(c), enforceable by park rangers or code enforcement officers.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Centennial actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.
Public Marijuana Use
Centennial's smoking ordinance defines marijuana as a smoked substance and bars lighting it in any indoor public area, workplace, or building entryway citywide, backed by fines up to $500 for repeat violations.
Key details: Marijuana included in "smoking": Yes, § 10-6-10 definition. Where banned: All indoor public areas, workplaces. Entryway buffer: 25 feet from doorways. First-offense fine: Up to $200. Repeat-offense fine: Up to $500.
Smoking marijuana in a banned indoor area or entryway violates § 10-6-20 and is punishable under § 10-6-50 by fines from $200 to $500, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses.
Compared to other cities, Centennial takes a harder line on public marijuana use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Aggressive Panhandling
Centennial bans soliciting money, business or employment from vehicle occupants when the panhandler stands in the roadway or blocks a legal parking spot, and bans it outright near interstate and state highway entrances and exits.
Key details: Roadway solicitation: Banned if unsafe/blocking. Interstate/state highways: Solicitation banned outright. Covers: Money, business, employment asks. Penalty: Minor offense, max fine.
Violating Section 10-13-20 is a minor offense punishable by the maximum fine authorized under Section 1-4-10 of the Municipal Code.
This is one of the stricter rules in Centennial's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Public Alcohol Use
Centennial bans selling, serving, or possessing an open container of alcohol or 3.2% beer in Centennial Center Park and Parker Jordan Centennial Open Space, except at events under a City liquor permit.
Key details: Governing section: § 11-7-30(a)(19). Applies at: Centennial Center Park & Parker Jordan. Event exception: Center Park only, with liquor permit. Minimum fine: $100 per offense.
Possessing an open container or consuming alcohol in violation carries a minimum $100 fine per offense under § 11-7-60, with each day of a continuing violation charged separately.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Centennial actively enforces its public alcohol use requirements.
The Bottom Line
Centennial is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Centennial, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Centennial can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.