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

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Centennial, Colorado, there are 2 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

Placing a private improvement in a Centennial public right-of-way requires a City Manager-issued encroachment license before construction, and the standard for approval is purely discretionary.

Key details: Permit name: License for Encroachment into ROW. Decided by: City Manager. Approval standard: Discretionary. Timing: Before construction of encroachment.

Constructing an improvement that encroaches into the right-of-way without a City Manager-issued license exposes the owner to LDC enforcement action under Article 15, Enforcement and Remedies.

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.

Obstruction Rules

Centennial bans storing debris, construction materials, landscape waste, snow, or ice on public sidewalks and rights-of-way, and prohibits private-property clutter overhanging within eight feet of any sidewalk.

Key details: Governing section: § 7-2-60(c)(1)-(2). Sidewalk clearance required: 8 vertical feet. Vehicular-area clearance: 15 vertical feet. Enforcement: Nuisance abatement, lien, prosecution.

Placing items on a sidewalk or letting clutter encroach above one is a nuisance offense under § 7-1-140; the City may order abatement, bill removal costs as a lien on the property, or prosecute in municipal court.

The Bottom Line

Centennial'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 Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Centennial's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.