Arapahoe County's western foothills and Cherry Creek drainage are in designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones. Defensible space (100-foot reduced-fuel zone) is required per local fire protection districts. IBHS/NFPA standards apply for new construction in high-risk areas.
Although much of Arapahoe County is prairie and suburban, the western edge near Cherry Creek State Park and the county's mountain parks (Roxborough area in neighboring counties) carry wildfire risk. South Metro Fire Rescue, Cunningham Fire, and Littleton Fire Rescue serve most unincorporated areas and enforce defensible space. Colorado HB 22-1007 requires local fire districts to conduct WUI risk mapping. Best-practice defensible space: Zone 1 (0-5 feet) non-combustible, Zone 2 (5-30 feet) lean and clean (trimmed grass, spaced shrubs, no wood mulch within 5 feet), Zone 3 (30-100 feet) reduced fuel (thinned trees, ladder fuels removed). Colorado's 2018 IBC/IRC with local amendments requires Class A roofing assemblies in designated WUI zones, ember-resistant vents (1/8-inch mesh), enclosed eaves, and non-combustible siding within specified WUI-mapped areas. Seasonal Stage 1/Stage 2 fire restrictions may ban open burning, outdoor smoking, and fireworks countywide during drought conditions. HOA rules often supplement state and county defensible space standards.
Fire district defensible space orders: 30-60 days to comply. Non-compliance: citations $100-$1,500. Operating during fire restrictions: Class 2 petty offense up to $300 fine plus civil liability for fire suppression costs. Insurance cancellation risk (Colorado FAIR Plan may be required).
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Arapahoe County.
See how Centennial's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.