Arvada's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Arvada, Colorado, there are 3 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.

Encroachment Permits

Arvada requires anyone doing construction, excavation, or work in a public right-of-way, including private use of the space over a sidewalk or street, to get a permit from the Department of Public Works first. Unpermitted work draws an automatic surcharge on top of the permit fee.

Key details: Permit required by: City Code Sec. 78-294(a). No-permit surcharge: $250 or double the fee, greater applies. Routine maintenance window: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on collector/arterial streets. Enforcing office: Director of Public Works. Adopted: Ord. No. 3717, 8-27-2001.

Working in the right-of-way without the required permit forces an immediate stop-work order, exclusive of steps needed to stabilize the site, under Sec. 78-294(d). The person or utility must then obtain the permit before restarting, and pay a surcharge of $250.00 or double the normal permit fee, whichever is greater, on top of every otherwise-applicable permit fee. Performing work outside the area, location, or time frame the permit actually authorizes is also a violation under subsection (b), requiring a supplemental application within 24 hours of the director's notification.

Sidewalk Repair

Every Arvada property owner must keep the curb, gutter, and sidewalk abutting their land in good repair. The city splits replacement cost 50/50 with the owner, issues a 30-day repair notice, and can perform the work itself and bill the owner if the notice is ignored.

Key details: Duty holder: Owner of abutting property, Sec. 94-31(a). Repair notice period: 30 days from service, Sec. 94-33. Hearing window: 10 days to contest notice, Sec. 94-35. Cost split: 50/50 owner and city, Sec. 94-36. City-paid exception: Full city cost if capital work due in 2 yrs.

Failing to comply with a repair notice within the time given is unlawful under Section 94-31(b), and each day the neglect continues is a separate offense. If the owner does not act, the city performs the repair under Section 94-37 and bills the owner's share of the 50/50 cost under Section 94-36; unpaid statements draw interest at the C.R.S. § 5-12-101 legal rate and can be certified as a lien.

Obstruction Rules

Arvada bars anyone from obstructing or encumbering a street, alley or sidewalk, or building on one, without a permit from the city manager: § 94-5 requires prior approval, or a special events permit or waiver under the Land Development Code, for any encroachment, and gives the city manager power to order removal within 24 hours.

Key details: Governing section: Arvada City Code § 94-5. Permit authority: City manager (or special events permit). Removal deadline: 24 hours after notice. Covers: Streets, alleys, sidewalks, public ground. Max penalty: $2,650.00 fine or 364 days jail.

Obstructing or encumbering a street, alley or sidewalk without a city manager permit, or failing to remove an unauthorized structure within 24 hours of notice, violates § 94-5 and is punishable under the Code's general penalty, § 1-5: up to $2,650.00 in fines, up to 364 days in jail, or both for adults, with each day of continued obstruction a separate offense.

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

The Bottom Line

Arvada's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Arvada is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Arvada'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.