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Fountain requires dogs to be leashed or confined when off the owner's property under Title 6 of the municipal code. Animal control is provided by El Paso County Regional Animal Services.
Beekeeping in Fountain is regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.18 — Animal Raising and Keeping). Colorado Department of Agriculture hive registration is required. Specific hive limits and setback requirements apply.
Fountain has no breed-specific ordinance. Colorado SB 21-132 (2021) prohibits all municipalities from enacting breed-specific bans. Dangerous animals are regulated individually based on behavior.
Fountain regulates carports under Zoning Ordinance Section 17.13.060. Pre-manufactured or membrane carports are only permitted as accessory to single-family or two-family lots. Units under 200 sq ft are exempt from zone-district development standards but must be anchored. Larger units must meet all zone setbacks, lot coverage, and height standards and obtain a Pikes Peak Regional Building Department permit. Only one carport is permitted per property.
Accessory structures (sheds, workshops, carports) in Fountain require a building permit from PPRBD if they exceed 200 square feet or are more than one story. All must meet setback requirements in the Zoning Ordinance.
Converting a garage to living space or an ADU in Fountain requires a PPRBD building permit. The conversion must meet IRC residential standards for insulation, egress, ventilation, and ceiling height.
Fountain must allow ADUs on all single-family lots under Colorado HB 24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025). As a smaller city, Fountain must update its zoning code to comply. Contact Fountain Planning for current ADU application process.
El Paso County allows tiny homes on permanent foundations as dwellings if they meet IRC Appendix Q (400 sq ft or less). Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in most residential zones. ADU pathway exists via Res. 22-05.
Fountain Municipal Code Chapter 17.29 (Short Term Rental Unit) ties STR occupancy to the maximum permissible occupancy under applicable building, fire, health and safety codes. Sleeping quarters must be in an area approved for that occupancy and use by the City building inspector. Up to one STR is allowed per lawful dwelling unit, with a property maximum of four STRs (or two per owner for condominium-style common ownership).
Fountain requires STR owners to maintain property liability insurance of at least $500,000, or to demonstrate that equal or greater coverage is provided through every hosting platform used. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the permit application under Section 17.29.030(B)(4).
STR guests in Fountain are subject to the same city noise and nuisance ordinances as permanent residents. Hosts bear responsibility for ensuring guest compliance with community standards.
Fountain does not have STR-specific parking regulations. Standard city parking rules (Title 10 — Vehicles and Traffic) apply to all properties including STRs. Guests must use legal on-property or street parking.
STR stays under 30 days in Fountain are subject to Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), El Paso County lodging tax, and any applicable city sales tax. Marketplace platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these taxes automatically.
Fountain has been evaluating short-term rental regulations as of 2021–2023 but had not fully implemented a formal STR permit system at the time of this review. Colorado state sales tax applies. STR operators should contact the Fountain Planning Department for current requirements.
Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Law (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies in Fountain. Both neighbors benefit from a shared boundary fence are equally responsible for maintenance costs. No city notification requirement exists for standard fence installations.
Building permits for fences in Fountain are handled by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Fences exceeding height limits or those enclosing pools require permits. Standard residential fences meeting height/material standards may not need a permit.
Fountain's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, adopted February 2021) regulates fence heights. Standard Colorado practices in similar El Paso County cities limit front-yard fences to 4 feet and side/rear fences to 6 feet. Confirm with Fountain Planning for your specific zone.
El Paso County regulates fence materials through the Land Development Code Chapter 5. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, tubular steel, and chain-link are permitted in residential zones. Barbed wire banned in RS-zoned areas. HOAs in Briargate, Flying Horse, Wolf Ranch, and Broadmoor often require cedar, wrought iron, or ornamental metal only.
El Paso County enforces 2021 ISPSC / IRC Appendix G pool barrier requirements through PPRBD. Minimum 48-inch barrier, self-closing and self-latching gates with latches 54 inches above grade, and less than 4-inch gaps between verticals.
El Paso County requires Pikes Peak Regional Building Department permits for retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall). Walls with surcharge loads or taller than 4 feet require engineered plans stamped by a Colorado PE.
Barking dogs that create ongoing disturbances are a nuisance under Fountain's municipal code (Title 6 — Regulation of Animals, available via Municode). El Paso County Regional Animal Services enforces animal noise complaints in Fountain.
Fountain enforces noise control under its municipal code (available via Municode). The Colorado state noise framework (C.R.S. §25-12-103) establishes baseline dB limits: 55 dB(A) daytime (7 AM–7 PM) and 50 dB(A) nighttime in residential zones. Fountain's Neighborhood Services enforces local noise nuisance complaints.
Construction noise in Fountain is governed by C.R.S. §25-12-103 state noise standards. Construction during industrial-zone dB limits is allowed; work outside standard daytime hours may violate nuisance provisions.
El Paso County has no leaf blower-specific ban. Colorado Springs and unincorporated county areas rely on the general noise ordinance (CSCC §9.8.104 in Colorado Springs; El Paso County Noise Resolution) to limit operation during quiet hours. Gas-powered blowers remain widely used across the region, including the Pikes Peak foothills.
El Paso County regulates amplified music under Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 9.8 and the county noise resolution. Sound-amplification permits are required for outdoor public events through the Colorado Springs City Clerk and El Paso County Sheriff. C.R.S. §18-9-106 covers unreasonable noise. Manitou Springs imposes additional downtown event conditions.
Aircraft noise in Colorado is governed almost entirely by federal aviation law, and state and local governments cannot directly regulate flight operations, though airport proprietors have limited authority.
Colorado fixes industrial noise ceilings at 80 decibels daytime and 75 decibels nighttime statewide under the Noise Abatement Act, with stricter local rules permitted but state minimums universal.
Above-ground pools in Fountain require a permit from PPRBD and must meet the same ISPSC barrier requirements as in-ground pools. The pool wall may serve as part of the barrier if at least 48 inches tall.
Swimming pools in Fountain must be enclosed by a barrier meeting International Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requirements: minimum 48 inches, self-closing/self-latching gates. Permits are required through PPRBD.
All swimming pools in Fountain require building, electrical, and gas permits from PPRBD. Multiple inspections are required. Residential pools must maintain safe conditions for users and comply with the Colorado IRC.
Pima Building Department — actually Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) — issues pool permits for Colorado Springs, El Paso County unincorporated, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, and Woodland Park. Permits required for all in-ground pools, spas, and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. 2021 IRC and 2021 ISPSC with Colorado amendments enforced.
El Paso County requires Pikes Peak Regional Building Department electrical permits for hot tub installations. 240V GFCI circuit mandatory. Barrier requirements apply unless a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is used. Setbacks follow zoning.
Fountain regulates parking under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the municipal code. General Colorado traffic laws (C.R.S. Title 42) and Fountain's traffic code apply to on-street parking. Abandoned or inoperable vehicles may be towed.
Colorado state law (C.R.S. §42-4-1204) and Fountain's traffic code limit large commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. Heavy trucks (typically GVWR over 10,000 lbs) may not park overnight in residential zones.
Fountain does not have a publicly documented citywide RV street parking ban like Colorado Springs. El Paso County general parking standards may apply. On private property, RVs should be stored in side/rear yard areas to minimize neighborhood impact.
Fountain requires vehicles on private property to be parked on improved or defined surfaces. Parking on lawns or unpaved areas in a manner that creates a nuisance or eyesore is subject to code enforcement under nuisance provisions.
El Paso County permits EV charger installations through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department with a standard electrical permit. HB 22-1218 requires EV-ready parking in new multifamily. HOAs cannot prohibit EV charging under C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.8.
Unincorporated El Paso County does not broadly restrict overnight street parking, but C.R.S. §42-4-1204 and the 72-hour rule apply. Colorado Springs prohibits parking on city streets longer than 72 hours. HOAs within the county may impose stricter overnight rules.
El Paso County enforces Colorado's abandoned vehicle law (C.R.S. §42-4-1802 through 1805). Vehicles left on public right-of-way for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles visible from the street on private property may be tagged and towed.
Fountain does not require a permit to remove trees on private property under standard conditions. Trees in the public right-of-way or in designated open space require city approval. No heritage tree ordinance exists.
Fountain enforces grass and weed height limits under nuisance provisions administered by Neighborhood Services/Code Compliance. Typical enforcement targets overgrown grass, weeds, or vegetation that constitutes a public nuisance or creates a blighted appearance.
Fountain does not have a standalone tree trimming ordinance. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their land and preventing encroachment into public rights-of-way, sight lines, and utility corridors.
The City of Fountain operates its own water utility (Fountain Utilities), with water sourced 70% from the Southern Delivery System and Fountain Valley Authority. Outdoor watering restrictions are set by Fountain Utilities based on supply conditions.
El Paso County rainwater harvesting strictly limited by Colorado water law — HB 16-1005 (C.R.S. §37-96.5-103) permits only two 55-gallon barrels (110 gallons total) per residential property for outdoor irrigation. Prior Appropriation Doctrine restricts collection. Colorado Springs Utilities enforcement is informational, not punitive.
El Paso County enforces weed abatement under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. §35-5.5-101) through the El Paso County Noxious Weed Advisory Board. The county manages 70+ listed species including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, and cheatgrass — a major wildfire fuel after Black Forest Fire. Annual notices sent to vacant lot owners.
El Paso County encourages xeriscaping and native plant landscaping for water conservation in Colorado's semi-arid Front Range climate. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 bar HOAs from prohibiting xeriscape. Rebates available through Colorado Springs Utilities.
El Paso County permits residential artificial turf installation. No county permit required unless grading changes. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 protect homeowner rights against HOA bans on turf alternatives, though HOAs may impose reasonable standards.
Unlike neighboring Colorado Springs, Fountain ALLOWS permissible/Safe and Sane fireworks (Class C). Legal fireworks include fountains, sparklers, ground spinners, and smoke devices. Aerial or explosive fireworks remain illegal under Colorado state law.
Recreational fire pits are allowed in Fountain following standard Colorado fire safety practices: attended fires, clearance from structures, approved fuels. Bonfires and large fires may require coordination with Fountain Fire Department.
Open burning (waste, debris, yard material) is prohibited in Fountain under state air quality rules and city nuisance ordinances. Recreational fires are allowed with standard safety requirements. Burn bans may be declared based on fire weather conditions.
El Paso County requires defensible space under the El Paso County Wildland-Urban Interface Ordinance. After the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire (346 homes) and 2013 Black Forest Fire (509 homes — the most destructive in CO history at the time), the county adopted WUI Code mandating 100-foot defensible space and ignition-resistant construction in designated hazard zones.
El Paso County enforces Wildland-Urban Interface defensible space requirements following the Waldo Canyon (2012) and Black Forest (2013) fires. 2018 IWUIC adopted. Zone 1 (0-30 ft), Zone 2 (30-100 ft), and Zone 3 (100-200 ft) treatments required in designated areas.
Colorado adopts NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code by reference under CRS 8-20-232, applying uniform propane storage, container, and installation rules to all jurisdictions statewide.
Home-based businesses in Fountain are regulated under Chapter 17.19 (Home-Based Businesses) of the 2021 Zoning Ordinance. A home occupation permit or zoning clearance may be required depending on the business type.
Home businesses in Fountain must not generate more traffic, vehicles, or customer visits than typical residential use. Chapter 17.19 limits client visits to appointment-only and restricts impacts on residential character.
Fountain's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.12 — Signs) limits home occupation signage to small, non-illuminated signs attached to the dwelling. Freestanding signs and illuminated signs for home businesses are generally prohibited.
El Paso County follows the Colorado Cottage Foods Act (C.R.S. §25-4-1614). Non-potentially hazardous homemade foods may be sold directly to consumers up to $10,000 per product per year. Labeling and food safety course required.
El Paso County allows licensed family child care homes in residential zones. State license required through Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Small family homes (up to 6 children) are permitted by right; large homes may require conditional use.
Fountain participates in the FEMA NFIP. Portions of the city near Fountain Creek and its tributaries are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). A Floodplain Development Permit is required for construction or grading in these zones.
El Paso County is landlocked — no coastal development applies. Instead, the county regulates riparian buffers along Fountain Creek, Monument Creek, Bear Creek, and other drainages. Typical 50-100 ft setbacks from designated waterways. 404 wetland permits through US Army Corps (Albuquerque District). FEMA floodplain requirements in 100-year zones.
El Paso County and Colorado Springs operate MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits under CDPHE CDPS. The $460M 2016 Pueblo-Colorado Springs Intergovernmental Agreement settled stormwater litigation over Fountain Creek. New development requires Drainage Criteria Manual compliance and LID (Low-Impact Development) features.
Colorado Springs requires erosion and sediment control plans for all land disturbance over 1 acre (CS Drainage Criteria Manual) and El Paso County requires ESC plans for disturbance over 1/2 acre (LDC Chapter 6). Waldo Canyon and Black Forest burn scars add post-fire controls. CDPHE CDPS stormwater permit (COR-400000) required.
PPRBD requires grading permits for excavation or fill over 50 cubic yards or slopes over 10%. Drainage must not adversely affect neighboring properties under Colorado common-law rules. Retaining walls over 4 ft need engineering. Black Forest and Cedar Heights foothills face specialized hillside grading requirements.
Colorado Springs CSCC §7.3.701 requires fully-shielded full-cutoff fixtures, caps residential lumens, and encourages 3000K LED color temperature. El Paso County LDC Chapter 5.3.5 requires similar cutoff fixtures. USAF Academy dark-sky protection preserves training-critical night views. Manitou Springs has enhanced dark-sky overlays.
Colorado Springs prohibits light trespass under CSCC §7.3.701 — exterior lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines or 1.0 fc at commercial. Security lights must be aimed and shielded. Complaint-driven enforcement through Code Enforcement. Manitou Springs adds historic-district aesthetic standards.
Colorado Springs property maintenance code (CSCC §3.2.101) applies to garage sales — merchandise displayed neatly, removed at sale end each day, signs down within 24 hours of final closing. Items left at curb between sale days trigger blight citations $50-$200. Front Range winds (Chinooks) compound debris-control concerns.
Colorado Springs CSCC §3.2.103 requires property owners to clear snow from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall end. El Paso County unincorporated has no sidewalk clearing mandate (few sidewalks exist). Pikes Peak region averages 40+ inches annual snow; blizzards are common December-April.
El Paso County requires trash and recycling containers be stored out of public view between collection days. Containers may be placed curbside evening before pickup and must be retrieved same day. Bear-resistant containers required in designated bear areas.
El Paso County requires vacant lot owners to control noxious weeds under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, keep vegetation under 12 inches in platted residential subdivisions, and prevent dumping. Wildfire fuel management required in designated WUI zones.
El Paso County enforces property maintenance through the Land Development Code nuisance provisions and 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. Violations include peeling exterior paint, structural deterioration, accumulated debris, and overgrown vegetation.
El Paso County drone operation is heavily restricted by USAF Academy, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Fort Carson military airspace plus Colorado Springs Airport (COS) Class D. Recreational flyers must follow FAA 49 USC §44809, pass the TRUST test, and respect LAANC authorizations. Flying over Pikes Peak summit restricted.
Commercial drone operators in El Paso County need FAA Part 107 certification plus LAANC for Colorado Springs Airport Class D airspace. Military-airspace waivers essentially unobtainable for recreational filming near USAFA, Peterson, Schriever, or Fort Carson. Garden of the Gods commercial filming permits required.
El Paso County bin placement rules vary by hauler contract, but CSCC §3.3.413 requires bins to be removed from the curb within 24 hours of pickup and stored out of public view. Wind-event protections (common along the Palmer Divide) require secured lids during high-wind warnings.
El Paso County does not mandate residential recycling — participation is voluntary and provided by private haulers as an add-on. The El Paso County Recycling Drop-Off Center accepts materials free. Colorado Springs explored but has not adopted a universal recycling ordinance like Denver's 2022 Pay-As-You-Throw program.
El Paso County operates under an open-subscription model — unlike Denver, there is no municipal trash pickup in Colorado Springs or unincorporated county. Residents contract directly with private haulers: Waste Management, Republic Services, Bestway, and Springs Waste Systems. Weekly curbside service is standard.
El Paso County bulk disposal is handled by private haulers (appointment-based) and the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Academy Boulevard. Bestway operates the main regional landfill (Midway Landfill) in Fountain. Large appliances require refrigerant recovery by EPA-certified technicians.
El Paso County limits residential heights to 30 ft in RS zones and 35 ft in RR zones under LDC Chapter 5. Colorado Springs R-1 6000 caps at 30 ft. Downtown mixed-use allows 175 ft under Form-Based Code. Ridgeline Overlay in foothills adds viewshed limits protecting Pikes Peak views.
El Paso County limits lot coverage per LDC Chapter 5: RS-6000 allows 40% building coverage, RR-2.5 allows 25%, RR-5 allows 15%. Colorado Springs R-1 6000 caps at 40%. Impervious surface limits tighten in Hillside Overlay and Fountain Creek Watershed drainage basins. Permeable pavers receive partial credit.
El Paso County setbacks are set by the Land Development Code Chapter 5 (unincorporated) and Colorado Springs Zoning Code §7.3.201 (city). Typical RS-6000 lots: 25 ft front, 5 ft side, 20 ft rear. Rural RR-5 lots require 50 ft front and 25 ft side. WUI zones may add fire setback.
Colorado Springs garage sales limited to 7 AM-7 PM under CSCC §2.3.103, matching the general noise ordinance window. El Paso County unincorporated uses similar daytime hours. Weekend sales (Friday-Sunday) are by far the most common. Signs must be removed at sale end each day.
Colorado Springs limits garage sales to 4 per calendar year per household under CSCC §2.3.103, each lasting up to 3 consecutive days. Exceeding frequency triggers retail business licensing and sales-tax liability. El Paso County unincorporated applies similar 4-sale soft limit via nuisance enforcement.
Colorado Springs does not require permits for garage/yard sales. El Paso County unincorporated also requires no permit. Standard sign ordinance and frequency limits apply. Fountain, Monument, and Manitou Springs also permit-free. CDOR sales-tax exemption applies to occasional sales under C.R.S. §39-26-706.
Colorado Springs allowed recreational dispensaries starting April 2024 under Question 300 (Nov 2022). Conditional Use Permits required in commercial zones with 1,000 ft buffer from schools. El Paso County unincorporated bans all retail cannabis. Manitou Springs has recreational retail (Maggie's Farm). USAFA/Fort Carson bases federally prohibit all cannabis.
Colorado Amendment 64 allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per person (max 12 per residence under HB 17-1220) in a locked, enclosed, non-visible space. El Paso County and Colorado Springs follow state law — cultivation is legal but retail is banned in unincorporated county and restricted in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs requires permits for street tree and right-of-way tree removal under CSCC §4.7.106 — private-property trees generally exempt except Hillside Overlay and Ponderosa Pine Preservation Zones. El Paso County requires WUI tree management permits in designated hazard zones but no general private-property permit.
Colorado Springs designates Heritage Trees under CSCC §4.7.108 — trees of historical, ecological, or size significance receive enhanced protection. Notable examples: Irving Howbert Oaks in downtown, Garden of the Gods specimen Ponderosas. Black Forest Ponderosa Pine Preservation protects century-old stands.
Colorado Springs requires 1:1 to 3:1 replacement for permitted street-tree and development-plan tree removals under CSCC §4.7.107. Minimum 2-inch caliper. Approved species list emphasizes drought-tolerant, non-invasive natives. Fee-in-lieu to the City Tree Fund available at $350-$500 per inch DBH.
Colorado Springs parks close 11 PM-5 AM year-round (Bear Creek, Palmer Park, Memorial, Monument Valley). Garden of the Gods closes at 10 PM May-October and 9 PM November-April. North Cheyenne Cañon closes at dusk. El Paso County regional parks close at sunset. After-hours presence is trespassing under C.R.S. §18-4-504.
Colorado Springs enforces juvenile curfew under CSCC §9.5.101 — minors under 18 prohibited from public places 11 PM-5 AM Sunday-Thursday and midnight-5 AM Friday-Saturday. El Paso County unincorporated has no separate curfew; state law C.R.S. §19-2-503 and C.R.S. §18-3-401 provide framework.
El Paso County follows Colorado's statewide prohibition on local rent control (C.R.S. §38-12-301). The county and its municipalities cannot cap rent increases. HB 23-1115 (repeal attempt) failed, so the ban remains in effect.
El Paso County does not operate a countywide rental registration or licensing program. Unincorporated rentals are not required to register. Colorado Springs and other municipalities within the county set their own rules; none currently impose mandatory rental licensing.
El Paso County follows Colorado HB 24-1098 which requires just cause for most evictions and lease non-renewals effective April 2024. Tenants in good standing cannot be evicted without statutory cause.
El Paso County food trucks need El Paso County Public Health retail food license, Colorado Springs Sales Tax License, and city mobile-vendor permit. PPRBD plan review for fire suppression required. Annual inspections under the Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules.
Colorado Springs restricts food trucks through CSCC §2.3.204 — 100-foot setback from restaurants unless in approved zones, 4-hour maximum at ROW locations. Private property vending allowed with owner permission and zoning compliance. Manitou Springs bans food trucks on Manitou Avenue during peak tourist season.
Colorado Springs does not maintain a formal city-wide no-knock registry, but CSCC §2.4.106 requires commercial solicitors to honor posted "No Soliciting" signs. Violation carries $100-$300 fines. El Paso County unincorporated relies on trespassing statutes (C.R.S. §18-4-503) for enforcement.
Colorado Springs requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a Commercial Solicitor Permit under CSCC §2.4.105 — background check and visible badge required. El Paso County unincorporated requires no county permit, but Fountain, Monument, and Manitou Springs have separate ordinances. Hours limited to 9 AM-8 PM.
El Paso County permits holiday decorations on residential property without permits. Displays must not obstruct sight lines, create fire hazards, or violate noise ordinances. Electrical installations must use outdoor-rated equipment. HOA rules may add restrictions.
El Paso County Land Development Code allows political signs on private property with size limits. Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited. Removal required within 14 days after election. First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert protections apply.
El Paso County allows garage sale signs on private property with permission. Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. Signs must be posted no more than 48 hours before the sale and removed within 24 hours after.
El Paso County requires building and electrical permits for residential solar PV installations through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. The Department offers an expedited online solar permit process. Fire setbacks follow 2021 IRC and IFC requirements.
El Paso County HOAs cannot prohibit rooftop solar installations under Colorado's Solar Access Law (C.R.S. §38-30-168) and HOA statute (C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.7). HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic rules that do not significantly decrease efficiency or increase cost.
Colorado allows local governments to adopt minimum wages above the state rate under CRS 8-6-101, with statewide minimums adjusted annually for inflation.
Colorado requires paid sick leave under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act and offers paid family medical leave through the FAMLI program funded by payroll premiums.
Colorado has no statewide predictive scheduling law but permits local governments to adopt fair workweek and advance notice scheduling ordinances for employers.
Colorado requires a concealed handgun permit issued by the county sheriff to carry a concealed firearm in public, with training and background check requirements.
Colorado repealed firearms preemption in 2021, allowing cities and counties to enact local gun regulations stricter than state law in most circumstances.
Colorado generally permits open carry of firearms by adults without a license, though local jurisdictions may impose restrictions in specific areas after the 2021 preemption repeal.
Colorado allows adults legally able to possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection without a permit under CRS 18-12-105.5.
Colorado does not require private employers to use E-Verify and repealed the prior employment eligibility affirmation form in 2016 under HB 16-1114.
Colorado law limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement under HB 19-1124, restricting ICE detainers, courthouse arrests, and information sharing statewide.
Colorado counties zone agricultural lands under state planning laws while preserving farm operations through Right to Farm protections and local agricultural overlays.
Colorado's Right to Farm Act under CRS 35-3.5-102 shields agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when they follow generally accepted practices and predate complaints.
Colorado banned single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam containers statewide under the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, fully effective in 2024.
Colorado prohibits retail food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam containers for ready-to-eat food and beverages under the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act.
Colorado does not ban plastic straws statewide, but allows cities to restrict distribution and many require straws only upon customer request.
Colorado prohibits the sale and furnishing of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine vapor products to anyone under age 21 statewide under CRS 18-13-121.
Colorado does not impose a statewide flavored tobacco ban, but home rule cities and counties may prohibit flavored vape and tobacco product sales locally.
Colorado requires retailers selling cigarettes, vapor products, and other tobacco items to obtain a state retail tobacco license and follow strict point-of-sale rules.