Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms, but Denver bars open and concealed carry in many designated places under DRMC 38-117.5. Posted city buildings, parks, and stadiums prohibit firearms; violators face municipal charges plus state penalties.
Colorado has no statewide open-carry ban for adults age 18+ outside of vehicles, but C.R.S. 29-11.7-104 lets municipalities restrict open carry in or on city buildings and posted locations. Denver enforces an expansive ordinance under DRMC 38-117.5 prohibiting firearm possession in city-owned buildings, parks, recreation centers, libraries, government plazas, and 16th Street Mall sensitive zones, with prominent signage. Colorado SB22-001 added a sensitive-place rule for polling places. The 2023 SB23-168 broadened municipal authority to ban guns in additional sensitive places like medical facilities and child-care centers. Open carry on private property requires owner permission. Denver Police actively enforce, and signage triggers immediate trespass and DRMC violations.
Open carry in a posted Denver sensitive place violates DRMC 38-117.5 with municipal fines up to nine hundred ninety-nine dollars and up to three hundred sixty-four days in jail, plus possible state weapons charges and seizure.
Denver, CO
Colorado has limited firearm preemption, letting Denver enforce DRMC chapter 38 rules. The Denver assault weapon ban under DRMC 38-130 was upheld in court. C...
Denver, CO
Concealed handgun permits in Denver are issued by the Denver Sheriff Department under C.R.S. 18-12-201. Applicants need training, background checks, and the ...
Denver, CO
Colorado C.R.S. 18-12-105 lets non-permit holders carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property. Long guns must be unloade...
See how Denver's open carry rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.