Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Longmont, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Longmont 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. Longmont has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Encroachment Permits

Longmont requires a separate infrastructure permit before anyone builds, installs or operates infrastructure such as pipes, lines, conduit or private facilities on, under or above city-owned property, under Longmont Municipal Code § 13.04.300. The public works/water utilities director issues the permit, and applicants must carry insurance, post financial security and follow city design standards. Permits can be revoked for violations and appealed to the city manager.

Key details: Permit required for: any infrastructure on/under/above city property. Issuing authority: Public Works/Water Utilities Director. Application fee: $25/hour, one-hour minimum (§13.04.060). Insurance: certificate required before permit issues. Completion deadline: must start work within 6 months.

Building, installing, placing, maintaining or operating infrastructure on city property without a § 13.04.300 permit is unlawful. The public works/water utilities director may revoke, suspend or deny a permit for violating any permit condition, violating this chapter or any related law, or if the infrastructure endangers life or property, under § 13.04.240. A permittee may appeal a denial, suspension or revocation to the city manager within ten days, or petition the city council directly, and the city may withhold further permits until the appeal is resolved.

Obstruction Rules

Longmont makes it unlawful to block a sidewalk, street, or other public passageway with your person or any object, including a vehicle, without legal privilege, under the city's obstructing-a-passageway offense.

Key details: Covers: Sidewalks, streets, alleys, doorways. Mental state required: Intentional, knowing, or reckless. Exception: Acting with 'legal privilege' (permit). Maximum penalty: $999 fine / 180 days jail.

A fine of up to $999.00, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, under the Title 10 general penalty (§ 10.02.020).

Sidewalk Repair

Longmont puts sidewalk construction or repair on the abutting property owner or occupant once the city orders it, following city council direction and written notice from the Public Works director.

Key details: Trigger: City council order plus written notice. Who pays: Abutting owner or occupant. If ignored: City repairs, bills as special tax. Collected via: Boulder or Weld county treasurer.

Failure to complete ordered sidewalk repairs lets the city perform the work and assess the cost against the property as a special tax lien (§§ 13.08.040–.050).

The Bottom Line

Longmont'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 Longmont is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Longmont 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.