Denver is an inland city with no ocean shoreline but regulates development along waterways through stream setback requirements and floodplain management. The South Platte River and Cherry Creek are primary regulated waterways with designated greenway corridors.
Denver regulates development near waterways through the Denver Revised Municipal Code and the city's floodplain management ordinance. The city enforces setback requirements along the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and other streams and drainageways. The Denver Greenway system establishes protected corridors along major waterways. Development within these corridors requires additional review and must comply with greenway trail and open space requirements. The Denver Department of Public Works and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District jointly administer waterway regulations. Construction near waterways must comply with local setback rules, FEMA floodplain regulations, and state water quality requirements. The city has invested heavily in riparian restoration along the South Platte River corridor.
Unauthorized development within stream setback areas or greenway corridors can result in stop-work orders, required remediation, fines, and denial of future building permits.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's shoreline management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.