Arapahoe County is landlocked—no coastal rules apply. However, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Cherry Creek, Plum Creek, Sand Creek, and the Highline Canal receive riparian and floodplain protections. Buffer setbacks 50-100 ft from waterways. FEMA floodplain rules and Cherry Creek Watershed Regulation 72 govern development near water.
Colorado is a landlocked state with no coastal development regulations, but Arapahoe County applies riparian and waterway protections analogous to coastal rules. Significant water features include Cherry Creek Reservoir (4-square-mile reservoir and state park), Cherry Creek itself (running north-south through the county to the South Platte), Plum Creek, Sand Creek, Toll Gate Creek, and the historic Highline Canal (71-mile agricultural canal now used recreationally). Arapahoe County Land Development Code §4-5 and city zoning codes typically require 50-100 foot riparian buffer setbacks from designated waterways measured from the ordinary high water mark. Wetland fill or alteration requires a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. Floodplain development within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplain, Zone A/AE) requires elevation certificates and compliance with the community's floodplain ordinance—Arapahoe County participates in NFIP. The Cherry Creek Reservoir Watershed Protection Zone (5 CCR 1002-72) imposes strict phosphorus controls on development throughout the 225-square-mile watershed. Streambank stabilization requires permits. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir have additional city-specific protections.
Building in riparian buffer without permit: stop-work and fines $500 to $5,000 under county code. Wetland fill violations: federal Clean Water Act penalties up to $64,618 per day per 33 U.S.C. §1319. Cherry Creek watershed violations: state penalties under 5 CCR 1002-72.
Centennial, CO
Centennial's Municipal Code Chapter 10, Article 12 prohibits excessive noise that endangers personal or real property. The city relies on a general 'excessiv...
Centennial, CO
Centennial regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance and building regulations under Chapter 18. Construction activities are generally ...
Centennial, CO
Centennial's animal regulations address incessant barking as a noise disturbance that violates the peace and quiet of a neighborhood. Dogs found creating exc...
Centennial, CO
Centennial limits RV and trailer street parking to 48 hours at a time with at least 24 hours between parking periods. RVs must park in front of and on the sa...
Centennial, CO
Centennial's Land Development Code regulates driveway design and parking surfaces. The city rejected a 2019 proposal to limit yard parking area percentages. ...
Centennial, CO
Centennial approved a 14-day street parking limit for regular vehicles in residential areas. After 14 days, the vehicle must be off the street for 7 consecut...
See how Centennial's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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