Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Denver, CO

If you live in Denver or are thinking about moving there, sidewalk & pedestrian rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Denver has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Encroachment Permits

Any structure or appendage projecting into a Denver street, alley or sidewalk needs a written permit from the manager of transportation and infrastructure, backed by a bond or liability insurance policy.

Key details: Permit authority: Manager of Transportation and Infrastructure. Financial guarantee: Bond up to $50,000 or insurance. Prerequisite: Required before any building permit issues. Penalty: Up to $999 fine or jail. Revocation: Permit revocable for traffic or safety.

Occupying the right-of-way without a permit falls under the Code's general penalty: up to a $999 fine, 300 days in jail, or both, per section 1-13; the manager can also revoke the permit outright.

Obstruction Rules

Denver bars anyone from encumbering a sidewalk, street or alley with an article, vehicle or thing, and the manager of transportation and infrastructure can remove any encumbrance and set the methods and placement allowed in the right-of-way.

Key details: Enforcing office: Manager of Transportation & Infrastructure. Max administrative penalty: $999 plus removal costs. Loading exception: 5 ft of sidewalk must stay clear. Unpermitted items: Removable immediately, no notice. Unpaid costs: Become a lien on owner's property.

Owners of an unpermitted encumbrance, or a permitted one left up past the removal deadline, pay the removal cost plus an administrative penalty up to $999 under Sec. 49-249, and unpaid costs can become a lien on the owner's property under Sec. 49-252.

Compared to other cities, Denver takes a harder line on obstruction rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Sidewalk Repair

Denver funds sidewalk construction, reconstruction, and repair through a citywide sidewalk service charge billed to every property owner, rather than requiring owners to personally repair the sidewalk abutting their lot.

Key details: Base charge: $150 per account, under 230 ft frontage. Excess frontage fee: $3.50 per additional linear foot. Who repairs: City repairs sidewalks, funded by charge. Enforcement: Unpaid charges become a property lien. Enacted: Ord. No. 1076-24, effective September 16, 2024.

Failing or refusing to pay the sidewalk service charge, or evading collection, is a code violation; unpaid charges become a lien collected like delinquent property taxes, and the city can sell the property if the lien remains unsatisfied.

The Bottom Line

Denver'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 Denver is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Denver's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.