Moving to Englewood, CO?
Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.
Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Englewood across 11 categories and 39 specific rules we track.
๐ Noise Ordinances
Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsEnglewood's noise ordinance limits residential noise to 55 dB during the day and 50 dB from 10 PM to 7 AM. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM with the lower decibel limit. Code Compliance enforces violations through education and progressive enforcement.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits dogs from continuously barking, howling, whining, or otherwise disturbing neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their properties. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their pet's barking does not create a serious annoyance to the neighborhood.
Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates construction noise through special limits in the noise ordinance. Under Colorado state law, construction activity is subject to industrial noise limits for the duration of the applicable construction permit. After-hours construction creating excessive noise may be cited.
๐ Short-Term Rentals
If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.
Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Title 5, Chapter 31 requires every short-term rental applicant to provide a declarations page of insurance with a minimum of $1 million in personal liability coverage. The certificate of insurance is a mandatory part of the STR license application and must be maintained for the life of the license. Operating without compliant coverage triggers fines starting at $500.
Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Title 5, Chapter 31 short-term rentals are capped at two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, with an absolute maximum of eight persons regardless of bedroom count. The STR cannot be subject to more than two simultaneous rental contracts at any time. Operators must be the primary resident (185 days/year) in residential zones.
Parking Rules
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires STR operators to provide a parking plan showing a minimum of 1 permanent parking space per bedroom for rent. No more than 2 of the required spaces may be on-street public parking. This is among the more detailed STR parking requirements in the Denver metro.
Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires both a city Sales and Use Tax License ($25 biennial) and a STR License for all short-term rentals. Primary residence required (185 days/year) in residential zones. Max occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2, capped at 8. $1M liability insurance required. Minimum fine $500 for operating without a license.
Taxes & Fees
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood imposes a 3.8% city sales tax and 2% lodger's tax on STR transactions. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these automatically. A $25 biennial Sales and Use Tax License plus STR License fee are required.
Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood STR hosts are responsible for guest behavior including noise compliance. The city's 50 dB nighttime / 55 dB daytime residential limits apply. Repeated noise complaints may result in STR license enforcement action.
๐ฅ Fire Regulations
Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.
Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsOpen burning without a Fire Marshal permit is prohibited under Stage 1 restrictions in Englewood. Gas grills, propane fire pits, and indoor fireplaces remain permitted. Burning trash, debris, and yard waste is never allowed. Violations carry fines up to $1,000.
Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsIt is illegal to possess, store, sell, use, or shoot fireworks within the City of Englewood. This is a complete ban with no exceptions for permissible fireworks. All fireworks are also prohibited in parks and open spaces. Violation fines up to $1,000.
Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsPropane and natural gas fire pits that do not produce sparks or embers are permitted in Englewood even during Stage 1 burn restrictions. Wood-burning fire pits are restricted during burn bans. All fire pits are prohibited during Stage 2 bans except gas/propane models.
๐ Parking Rules
Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.
Driveway Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood's Unified Development Code regulates driveway design and parking surfaces. Vehicles should not block sidewalks or encroach on public right-of-way. A Site Plan review may be required for new driveway construction or modification.
Street Parking Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates street parking through the municipal code. Standard time limits apply for vehicles parked on public streets. Abandoned and inoperative vehicles are prohibited. Contact Code Compliance at 303-762-2335 for specific parking restrictions in your area.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones through the Unified Development Code. Large commercial vehicles and equipment are generally not permitted for storage in residential areas. Contact Code Compliance for specific weight and size thresholds.
RV & Boat Parking
Some RestrictionsEnglewood restricts RV use in residential areas. RVs cannot be used as dwelling units or short-term rentals. Standard street parking time limits apply to RVs on public streets. The municipal code regulates vehicle storage on private property.
๐งฑ Fence Regulations
Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsEnglewood requires fences to be on the owner's property. Colorado has no shared-cost fence statute. The finished side should face neighboring property. Fences within easements are permitted but the city is not liable for damage during easement access.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates fences under Unified Development Code Section 16-6-6. Height limits vary by zone district and are specified in tables within the code. Electrically charged fences are prohibited in all zones. Fences must be at least 1 foot behind any public sidewalk.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires a permit and Site Improvement Plan review for new fences and replacement fences changing height, materials, or location. Repairs replacing less than 25 feet of fencing or individual components do not need a permit.
๐ Animal Ordinances
Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.
Chickens & Livestock
Some RestrictionsEnglewood may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.
Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsAll dogs and cats in Englewood must be on a leash held by a person able to control the animal when off the owner's property. Off-leash areas exist at Duncan Park, Jason Park, and the Northwest Greenbelt (6-11 AM and 6-11 PM). Owners must immediately clean up pet waste.
Exotic Pets
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits residents to 4 dogs/cats total (max 3 of either). Exotic pet ownership is governed by Colorado state law (CPW regulations). Native wildlife cannot be kept as pets. Some exotics like ball pythons and bearded dragons are legal. Venomous snakes are prohibited statewide.
Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsEnglewood does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Colorado SB 04-079 limits breed-specific restrictions for insurance purposes. The city focuses on individual behavior and owner responsibility.
Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsEnglewood allows domestic poultry under its animal code and beekeeping appears to be permitted under Chapter 7 regulations. Bees and hives must not create nuisance conditions (odor, uncleanliness, sound). Colorado's Bee and Bee Products Act provides the state framework.
๐ฟ Landscaping Rules
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood's Utilities Department encourages voluntary three-day-per-week watering restrictions aligned with Denver Water guidelines. Water only before 10 AM and after 6 PM. Colorado SB24-005 bans nonfunctional turf on commercial/HOA properties. CRS ยง37-60-126 protects xeriscape from HOA bans.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsEnglewood does not have a citywide tree removal permit for private property. Property owners may generally remove trees on their own land. Trees in the public right-of-way require city authorization. HOA covenants may restrict removal.
Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood enforces property maintenance standards through Code Compliance. Overgrown grass, weeds, and vegetation are code violations. The city strives for voluntary compliance through education before escalating to formal enforcement.
Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsEnglewood property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property to prevent obstruction of sidewalks, streets, and sightlines. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city.
๐ผ Home Business
Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates home occupations through the Unified Development Code (Title 16). Home-based businesses must be incidental to residential use and obtain appropriate licenses. The business must not alter the residential character of the neighborhood.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood home occupations must not generate traffic exceeding normal residential levels. The business must remain incidental to the residential use. Excessive customer visits or deliveries may violate the home occupation standards.
Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood's UDC regulates all signage. Home businesses in residential areas are generally prohibited from displaying commercial signs. The business must remain incidental to the residential character of the property and neighborhood.
๐ Swimming Pools & Spas
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires building permits for pool construction reviewed under the 2021 International codes (IBC, IRC, ISPSC). Multiple inspections including electrical bonding, barrier fencing, and drain safety are required. Property owners bear premises liability for pool safety.
Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsAbove-ground pools in Englewood are subject to the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools under the 2021 ISPSC. Pool walls may count as part of the 60-inch barrier. Ladders must be secured when not in use.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood follows the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (effective for permits after July 31, 2023). Pool barriers must meet Colorado IRC standards: 60-inch minimum height, self-closing/latching gates, 4-inch max picket spacing. UDC ยง16-6-6 references pool-specific fence requirements.
๐๏ธ Accessory Structures
Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.
Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood treats carports as accessory structures regulated under Title 16 of the Unified Development Code. The combined maximum size for all garages and carports on a property is 1,000 square feet, and a building permit is required. Each property is allowed two minor accessory structures, none of which may be used for living quarters. Site Plan review under EMC 16-2-9 applies.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood must comply with Colorado HB 24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025) as a subject jurisdiction in the Denver metro. The state law requires allowing ADUs of 500-750 sq ft with administrative approval. Either a primary home or ADU may serve as a short-term rental. The city's UDC governs accessory structure standards.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsGarage conversions for ADU creation are permitted under Colorado HB 24-1152. Conversions require building permits and must meet residential code standards. The state recommends not requiring replacement parking for garage-to-ADU conversions. Minimum 7'6" ceiling height applies.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates accessory structures through the Unified Development Code. A Site Plan review and permit may be required for garages, carports, storage sheds, and decks per EMC 16-2-9. Small structures may be exempt from building permits but must meet zoning standards.
๐ Environmental Rules
Overall: What to Expect in Englewood
Englewood has 39 ordinances on file across 11 categories. Of these, 2 are rated permissive, 27 moderate, and 10 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Englewood compared to other cities.
Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.