Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Westminster, CO

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

Obstruction Rules

Westminster makes it unlawful to let anything block a public sidewalk, curb or gutter next to your property under Section 9-1-5 of Title IX. Piles of materials, overhanging vegetation, weeds and structures under seven feet of clearance all count as obstructions, and the City can order them removed within 24 hours before billing or citing the property.

Key details: Obstruction clearance window: 24 hours after notice. Clear height exemption: Objects 7 feet or higher. Removal surcharge: 10% added to actual cost. Enforcement basis: Lien under Title I, Chapter 31, W.M.C.. Emergency obstructions: Abated immediately as public nuisance.

Failing to clear a cited obstruction within 24 hours of notice or posting lets the City remove it and add the actual removal cost, plus a ten percent administrative surcharge, as a lien on the property under Title I, Chapter 31, W.M.C. The City may also issue a summons and complaint under Section 9-1-6, punishable under the general penalty section, 1-8-1, W.M.C. An obstruction that is an imminent danger can be abated immediately as a public nuisance.

Sidewalk Repair

Property owners in Westminster must fix or rebuild the sidewalk, curb or gutter fronting their land once the City serves written notice, under Sections 9-1-2 through 9-1-4 of Title IX. Owners get 30 days after notice to repair a failing sidewalk, and if they miss the deadline the City completes the work and liens the property for the cost.

Key details: Repair notice period: 30 days from written notice. Nonconforming construction cure period: 10 days from notice. Enforcement remedy: City performs work, liens property. Construction permit required: From City Manager's office. Lien authority: Title I, Chapter 31, W.M.C..

Ignoring the 30-day repair notice under Section 9-1-3 lets the City perform the work directly and place a first and prior lien on the property for the full cost under Section 9-1-4. Building or rebuilding a sidewalk, curb or gutter without the required permit, or out of conformity with City specifications, is separately punishable under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C., the City's general penalty section for code violations.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone digging, building in, or otherwise working within a Westminster street, alley, sidewalk or public right-of-way needs a right-of-way permit first under Section 9-2-1 of Title IX. The City Engineer sets fees, conditions and time limits, and a separate permit plus at least two working days' notice is required for each use of the right-of-way.

Key details: Advance notice required: At least 2 working days before work. Contractor class required: Class D (or Class E for limited work). Additional fee: Street cut impact fee, Section 9-2-8. Permit sets: Location, fee and time limit for work. Enforcement: Penalty under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C..

Working in a right-of-way without a permit, or violating the City Engineer's regulations or a permit's conditions, is unlawful under Sections 9-2-1 and 9-2-7, W.M.C., and is punishable under the general penalty section, 1-8-1, W.M.C. Unpermitted or noncompliant work that creates an imminent danger is a public nuisance the City may abate under Sections 8-4-4 and 8-4-5. The City can also proceed against a contractor's surety, sue for legal or equitable relief, and revoke or suspend permits, licenses and registrations of a violator.

The Bottom Line

Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

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