Denver County, CO Ordinances (2026)

Denver requires a grading permit for earth-moving over 50 cubic yards or land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft under DRMC Chapter 10. Drainage must follow the Denver Storm Drainage Design Criteria Manual and must not redirect flow onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4…

Denver has no ocean coastline but regulates development along the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, Bear Creek, Clear Creek, and Sand Creek through floodplain zoning and riparian buffer rules. FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain, DRMC §57 floodplain code, and the Denver Waterway…

Denver stormwater is managed by DOTI Wastewater Management under DRMC §56. New development and redevelopment must control runoff per the Denver Storm Drainage Design Criteria Manual, meet MS4 NPDES permit rules, and pay stormwater fees based on impervious area. The Platte to…

Denver requires an Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plan for any land disturbance over 1 acre (CDPS Construction Stormwater permit trigger) and under DRMC §56 for smaller sites. BMPs include silt fencing, wattles, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and prompt…

Denver has FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas along the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Development in the 1% floodplain requires a floodplain permit and elevation at least 1 foot above BFE.

Denver provides free single-stream recycling to single-family homes and buildings up to 7 units. Commercial properties and apartments must comply with the Waste No More Ordinance (22-1614/306), requiring recycling and composting at food-service establishments and larger…

Denver requires trash, recycling, and compost carts to be at the curb or alley no later than 7 AM on pickup day and returned to storage within 24 hours after collection. Carts must be spaced at least 3 feet apart and kept out of public view between pickups.

Denver provides two free annual Large Item Pickup appointments per household plus three Treecycle events. Appliances with refrigerants require CFC-removal tagging. The city also operates drop-off at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off and hazardous waste at the Denver Arapahoe…

Denver Solid Waste Management provides weekly trash pickup and every-other-week recycling and compost to single-family homes and buildings up to seven units. In 2023 Denver launched Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) volume-based fees under Ordinance 22-1614 to reduce landfill waste.

Recreational drone flight in Denver is governed by FAA rules (49 USC §44809) plus DRMC §39-7 banning UAS takeoff/landing in Denver parks, mountain parks, and public rights-of-way without a permit. Denver International Airport creates a 5-mile LAANC-restricted zone covering much…

Commercial drone operators in Denver need FAA Part 107 certification plus a Denver business license. Operations in Denver parks require a permit from Denver Parks and Recreation, and flights anywhere within DEN's 5-mile Class B airspace require LAANC authorization.

Denver prohibits light that unreasonably trespasses onto neighboring properties under DRMC §36 (Noise and Nuisance) and DZC standards. Residential property-line illuminance is capped at approximately 0.5-1.0 foot-candle. Complaints are handled by Neighborhood Inspection Services…

Denver regulates outdoor lighting under DZC Article 10 and the Green Buildings Ordinance. New commercial and multifamily lighting must be fully shielded (full-cutoff), and LED color temperature should not exceed 3000K. Residential lighting is less regulated but must not create…

Denver enforces a juvenile curfew under DRMC §38-171 for minors under 18. School nights Sunday through Thursday the curfew runs 11 PM to 5 AM; Friday and Saturday it runs midnight to 5 AM. Exceptions for work, school events, emergencies, and accompaniment by a parent or guardian.

Denver parks close from 11 PM to 5 AM under DRMC §39-7 with posted signs at entrances. Denver Mountain Parks (Red Rocks, Lookout Mountain, Genesee) close sunset to sunrise. After-hours presence is a municipal violation; camping in any Denver park or public right-of-way is…

Denver enforces weed abatement under DRMC §24-101, requiring property owners to keep grass and weeds below 10 inches. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS §35-5.5-101) adds state-level obligations on noxious species. DDPHE handles complaints and abatement.

Denver allows artificial turf on residential property. No permit required for residential replacement. Commercial and multifamily face restrictions under 2024 Non-Functional Turf Ordinance. HOAs cannot ban per state solar/turf laws.

Denver Water coined 'xeriscape' in 1981 and actively promotes native/drought-tolerant landscaping. C.R.S. §37-60-126 and HB 19-1050 prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscape. Rebates via Denver Water's Garden In A Box and Turf Replacement programs.

Denver rainwater collection is strictly limited by Colorado water law. HB 16-1005 allows only two rain barrels totaling 110 gallons per single-family or up to 4-unit residence, for outdoor irrigation on-site only. Anything beyond this requires a water right decree. Denver Water…

Denver Water enforces mandatory outdoor watering restrictions May 1–Oct 1 yearly. Residential customers may water 2 days/week before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Stage 1 drought declared in 2025.

Denver property owners must maintain street trees in the right-of-way per DRMC §57-18. Branches over sidewalks must be trimmed to 8 feet clearance; over streets, 13.5 feet clearance.

Denver DRMC Chapter 57 requires property owners to maintain vegetation. Grass and weeds must not become a nuisance. Code enforcement responds to complaints of overgrown grass and weeds.

Street trees in Denver's right-of-way require a City Forester permit to remove. Private trees generally don't require a permit unless under construction. Removing protected trees without a permit incurs fines equal to tree value.

Denver regulates amplified sound under DRMC Chapter 36 with specific decibel limits and requires a Sound Amplification Permit from the Department of Excise and Licenses for outdoor events, concerts, and festivals. Residential amplified music must stay below 55 dB(A) at the…

Denver has no outright ban on leaf blowers but phases in restrictions on gas-powered commercial landscape equipment. DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits apply, and the city launched an Electric Lawn Equipment Pilot in 2022 reflecting Denver's ozone non-attainment status along the Front…

Denver DRMC Chapter 36 sets quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM in residential zones. Residential limit is 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime. Violations can reach $5,000/day.

Denver restricts construction noise to 7 AM–9 PM Monday–Saturday and 8 AM–5 PM Sunday under DRMC Chapter 36. No construction noise is permitted outside these hours.

Denver DRMC Chapter 8 prohibits dogs from barking, howling, or making noise continuously for 10+ minutes or intermittently for 30+ minutes. Enforced by Denver Animal Protection.

Denver's Green Code (2022 IECC with amendments) requires EV-ready wiring in new residential construction. HOAs cannot ban EV chargers under C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.8. Electrical permit required for Level 2 installs.

Denver defines abandoned vehicles as inoperable, unregistered, or parked over 72 hours per DRMC §54-127 and §54-811. Report to 311. On private property, must be enclosed or behind opaque screening.

Denver has no citywide overnight parking ban on residential streets. 72-hour rule (DRMC §54-127) applies — no vehicle may remain in same spot more than 72 hours. Some neighborhoods have permit parking.

Denver enforces a citywide 72-hour street parking limit. Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones restrict non-resident parking in many neighborhoods. Vehicles must park within 18 inches of the curb.

Denver requires driveways to meet setback and width standards. Blocking the public sidewalk is prohibited. Curb cuts require a permit from DOTI.

RVs over 22 feet may not park on residential streets for more than 24 hours. On non-residential streets, the 72-hour limit applies. Permanent RV residency on property is limited to 28 days/year.

Denver limits large commercial vehicle parking on residential streets to 2 hours. A 2023 ordinance expanded restrictions citywide. Trucks used for active work are excepted.

Denver regulates food truck vending locations through DRMC Chapter 32 and zoning code. Right-of-way vending requires a ROW Mobile Vendor permit and is limited to approved zones with minimum distance from restaurants. Private property vending allowed with owner consent in…

Denver food trucks need a Mobile Retail Food Establishment license from Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), a Mobile Vendor Permit from Denver Excise and Licenses, a commissary agreement, vehicle inspection, and proof of sales/lodger's tax registration…

Denver County may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.

Denver prohibits intentional feeding of deer, elk, bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and prairie dogs under DRMC §8-91. Bird feeders allowed but must be bear-resistant from Apr 15-Nov 15 in foothill zones.

Denver DRMC §8-16 requires dogs to be on a leash in all public areas. Off-leash is only permitted in designated off-leash enclosures (dog parks). Leash length is not specified.

Denver's 30-year pit bull ban was lifted in 2021. Pit bulls now require a Breed-Restricted Permit ($30/year) plus assessment. Permit requires spay/neuter, microchip, and rabies vaccination.

Denver DRMC Chapter 8 prohibits numerous exotic animals including big cats, wolves, foxes, raccoons, primates, venomous reptiles, and large constrictors. Violations carry significant fines.

Denver allows beekeeping in certain residential zone districts. Maximum 2 hives per lot under 6,000 sq ft. Hives must be registered with Denver Animal Protection. Outdoor storage of bee equipment is prohibited.

Denver requires 1:1 replacement for any public right-of-way tree removed, using approved species from the City Forester's list. New construction in historic districts or with zoning review must meet landscape planting standards. Fee-in-lieu payments to the Tree Fund are accepted…

Denver does not operate a formal 'heritage tree' registry, but notable specimen trees in Denver Landmark Historic Districts and on Denver Landmark-designated properties receive enhanced protection through Landmark Preservation. Ordinance 21-1115 expanded tree-related historic…

Denver requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Office of the City Forester for any tree in the public right-of-way (tree lawn between sidewalk and curb). On private property, removal of healthy trees over 8 inches DBH is discouraged but permit rules vary. Emerald Ash…

Denver does not require a permit for residential garage sales. Sales are allowed at private residences subject to frequency, time, and signage rules under DRMC Chapter 32 and the zoning code. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited without a permit.

Denver does not set specific garage sale hours in the DRMC, but sales must comply with the general noise ordinance (55 dB(A) residential limit during 7 AM to 10 PM, 50 dB(A) overnight). Practical hours are 8 AM to 6 PM. Signs and tables must be removed by end of sale hours daily.

Denver limits casual residential garage sales to four per calendar year per household, with each sale not to exceed three consecutive days. Sales beyond this threshold are treated as unlicensed retail activity and require a business license.

Denver zoning limits residential structure height to 30-35 feet typical, varying by context. Urban Center zones allow up to 200+ feet. The Mountain View Protection Ordinance (DRMC §10-5) restricts building heights in 7 defined view-plane corridors across the city.

Denver Zoning Code Article 5 establishes setbacks by context and district. Typical single-unit residential (E-SU-D) setbacks are 20-foot front, 5-foot side, and 12-foot rear. Urban context zones (U-SU-B) allow tighter setbacks as small as 10-foot front. Accessory structures get…

Denver zoning limits residential lot coverage to 37.5 to 50% depending on context, covering primary and accessory structures. Additional impervious surface (driveways, patios) is limited separately. Historic districts and Mountain View corridors add overlays.

Denver requires a Residential Rental Property License for ALL long-term rentals under DRMC Chapter 38 Article IV. Single-family/duplex deadline was Jan 1, 2024; multi-unit deadline Jan 1, 2023. Fee: $50 per property plus $5 per unit; 4-year term.

Denver does not have rent control. C.R.S. §38-12-301 preempts local rent control statewide in Colorado. Landlords may set market rents with proper notice.

Denver follows Colorado HB 24-1098 just-cause eviction law (effective April 2024). Landlords must state a permitted cause for non-renewal or eviction of residential tenants who have lived in the unit more than 12 months.

Denver licenses cannabis dispensaries (Retail Marijuana Store and Medical Marijuana Center) under DRMC Chapter 6. Dispensaries must maintain 1,000-foot buffers from schools, daycares, and child care establishments, be located in Main Street/Urban Center/Commercial/Industrial…

Adults 21+ in Denver may grow up to 6 marijuana plants per person, 12 per household maximum regardless of number of adults, under DRMC §38-176 and CO Amendment 64. Plants must be enclosed, locked, and not visible from public spaces. Rental properties may prohibit under landlord…

Colorado Cottage Foods Act (C.R.S. §25-4-1614) allows direct-to-consumer sales of non-hazardous homemade foods. Denver requires no additional permit. Annual cap $10,000 per product type. Required food safety training.

Home daycare allowed in all Denver residential zones as a home occupation per Denver Zoning Code §11.8.7. State license required from Colorado Dept of Early Childhood. Small: up to 6 children; large: up to 12.

Denver prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs advertising the business may be visible from the street to maintain neighborhood character.

Denver limits customer visits to home businesses. Traffic, deliveries, and client arrivals must remain minimal and not exceed what is normal for a residential area.

Denver allows home-based businesses in residential zones with a Home Occupation Permit. Business must be conducted entirely within the home and must not alter the residential character of the property.

Denver property maintenance code (DRMC §24 and §49-240) requires garage and yard sale merchandise to be neatly displayed and removed from public view by end of daily sale hours. Items left at curb or in front yard between sale days trigger blight citations. Signs must be removed…

Denver requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends for residential and 4 hours for commercial properties, under DRMC §49-551. A clear path at least 36 inches wide is required. City now uses the SnowPlowDenver program…

Denver Neighborhood Inspection Services enforces DRMC Chapter 27 property maintenance. Vacant properties register under Vacant Building Ordinance (DRMC §10-95). Violations carry fines up to $999/day.

Denver's Volume-Based Trash (Pay As You Throw) program requires purple/green/black Denver-issued carts only. Bins must be stored out of public right-of-way except on collection day per DRMC §27-127.

Denver requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass/weeds under 6 inches per DRMC §27-129, remove trash, secure against trespass. Vacant Building Registration (DRMC §10-95) required for structures within 30 days of vacancy.

Denver is mostly urban and not in mapped Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, but western foothill-adjacent neighborhoods and open space buffers follow Denver Fire Department defensible space guidance aligned with Colorado's WUI code.

Denver is largely urban so WUI brush-clearance rules apply mainly to properties near open space, South Platte River corridors, and mountain parks. DRMC Chapter 24 (Weeds) and the Denver Fire Code (DRMC Chapter 9) require removal of combustible vegetation and dry grass exceeding…

Wood-burning fire pits are effectively banned in Denver without a permit. Gas and propane fire pits are permitted. Chimineas are also prohibited for open burning.

Denver bans open wood burning year-round without a permit. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed. The metro area also bans all wood burning Nov 1–Mar 31.

Denver bans ALL fireworks, including consumer-grade sparklers and fountains. DRMC §39-4 imposes fines up to $999 per violation. The ban applies year-round.

Denver residents may post 'No Soliciting' signs that carry legal weight under DRMC Chapter 42. Solicitors who enter posted property or ignore verbal refusal face citations. Denver does not currently operate a centralized no-knock registry, but Denver Police enforce signage-based…

Denver requires door-to-door commercial solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor License from Denver Excise and Licenses under DRMC Chapter 42. Background checks and identification badges are required. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing are exempt as protected…

Denver requires a building permit from Community Planning and Development (CPD) for all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, plus separate electrical and plumbing permits. Inspections verify setbacks, barrier compliance under the 2021 IRC, and GFCI wiring.

Denver requires electrical permit for hot tub/spa installation (240V 50-amp typical). Locking safety cover (ASTM F1346) can substitute for barrier per 2021 ISPSC §305.5. Setbacks per zone district.

Above-ground pools in Denver still require a building permit and must meet all barrier and safety requirements. Mesh fencing for above-ground pools has specific installation rules.

Denver requires building permits for all new pools and spas. Inspections cover pool structure, electrical, bonding, gas, plumbing, and fence. Final inspection required before filling.

Denver requires pool barriers at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-latching, self-closing gates. Fencing must completely surround the pool. Complies with 2021 Denver Building Code (Appendix T).

Denver Zoning Code Article 10 regulates fence materials. Wood, masonry, wrought iron, vinyl, and chain-link are generally allowed, but barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited in residential zones. Denver specifically restricts chain-link in front yards in many residential…

Denver requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) per DBC 105.2. Engineered drawings required. Lower walls with surcharge also need permits.

Denver requires 5-foot (60-inch) barriers around all residential pools per 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch 54+ inches above grade. 4-inch opening max.

Denver limits front yard fences to 4 feet and rear/side yard fences to 6 feet in residential zones. Taller fences require over-height permits and must be less than 50% solid.

Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Act (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies. Denver does not mandate cost-sharing, but neighbors may negotiate. Disputes over boundary fences go through Denver County Court.

Denver requires a zoning permit for fences between 4–6 feet. Over-height (6+ ft) fences require an additional over-height fence permit. Historic properties require Landmark Preservation review.

Colorado C.R.S. §38-30-168 and §38-32.5-100.3 prohibit HOAs from banning solar panels. Reasonable aesthetic guidelines (location, color matching) allowed. HOAs cannot require ground mounts if rooftop is feasible.

Denver requires a combination building/electrical permit for rooftop solar via the SolarAPP+ expedited portal. Permit fees start around $250. Denver adopted 2020 NEC and 2018 IRC with Denver amendments.

Denver STR license applicants must show proof of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 OR hosting through a platform (Airbnb, Vrbo) that provides equivalent coverage per DRMC §33-45.

Denver STR occupancy capped at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional adults (DRMC §33-46). Children under 12 do not count. Host must be physically present (primary residence requirement).

Denver requires a short-term rental license for any rental under 30 days. The property must be the host's primary residence. License is $25/year through Denver Excise and Licenses.

Denver STR operators must comply with DRMC Chapter 36 noise limits. Quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM apply to guests. Violations can jeopardize the STR license.

Denver STR guests must comply with all standard parking ordinances. Many residential areas have Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones that restrict non-resident parking.

Denver STRs are subject to 10.75% Lodger's Tax plus standard sales tax on stays under 30 days. Hosts must register for a Lodger's Tax account before operating.

Denver requires a building permit for all carports over 120 sq ft per Denver Building Code 105.2. Zoning setbacks apply (typically 5 ft side/rear, varies by district). Count toward lot coverage.

Denver allows tiny homes on permanent foundations as ADUs or primary dwellings following 2018 IRC Appendix Q (adopted by Denver). Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) classified as RVs — cannot be permanently occupied in residential zones.

Denver allows ADUs by right in all residential zones since 2023 zoning updates. No owner-occupancy required as of state HB 24-1152 (effective June 2025). ADUs capped at 1.5 stories / 24 ft height.

Denver allows garage-to-ADU conversions in most residential zones since the 2023 zoning update. Building permits required. Converted garages must meet ADU standards including fire safety and egress.

All Denver sheds require a zoning permit. Sheds over 8 feet tall or over 200 sq ft also require a building permit. Each property is limited to one shed plus one accessory structure.

Denver allows temporary garage sale signs on private property only. Signs in public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic control devices are illegal under DRMC §49-247 and removed on sight.

Denver has no specific holiday decoration permit requirement. Displays on private residential property are allowed with no time limit. Must not obstruct sight triangles or sidewalks. Quiet hours still apply.

Denver allows political signs on private property with no permit required. DRMC §10-152 limits total sign area. Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. Must remove within 10 days after election.