Before You Build in Centennial, CO: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Colorado's Good Neighbor Fence Law (CRS §35-46-112) applies in Centennial. Fences may be built on the property line with the neighbor's consent. Written notification of fence plans with a 30-day response period is recommended. Colorado has no shared-cost requirement.

Centennial's Land Development Code limits residential fences to 6 feet, with variances required for taller fences. Front yard fences must be at least 50% open (picket, split rail, wrought iron). Visibility triangles near intersections limit fences to 3 feet. Screening fences may reach 14 feet in certain districts.

Centennial requires a fence permit for all new fences and replacement fences where height, location, or materials are changing. Permits can be applied for through the city's online permitting portal. A same-for-same replacement typically does not require a permit.

Centennial requires building permits for pool construction with multiple inspections. Pools must comply with the Colorado-adopted IRC including drain safety (VGB Act), electrical bonding, and barrier requirements. Property owners have premises liability for pool safety.

Centennial follows Colorado's adopted building codes requiring pool barriers. The Colorado code requires a minimum 60-inch (5-foot) barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches high. Picket spacing cannot exceed 4 inches. Building permits and inspections are required.

Above-ground pools in Centennial must meet the same barrier and safety standards as in-ground pools. Pool walls may serve as part of the 60-inch barrier. Ladders must be removable or secured when not in use. Hot tub covers meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for barriers.

Centennial approved ADU regulations unanimously in 2024. Interior ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary residence. Detached ADUs cannot exceed 800 sq ft. ADUs must match the primary home's design. Under HB 24-1152, owner occupancy cannot be required, and STRs in ADUs are prohibited except in PUDs.

Centennial permits garage conversions as a form of ADU under its 2024 ADU ordinance and Colorado HB 24-1152. Conversions require building permits and must meet residential code including 7'6" ceiling height. Under state law, cities should not require replacement parking for garage-to-ADU conversions.

Centennial regulates detached carports under Land Development Code Section 12-3-603 as accessory structures. Detached carports serving attached single-family or multifamily dwellings must be set back at least 20 feet from a building setback line on adjacent lots of a different dwelling type. General accessory structures have 5-foot rear and interior side setbacks and a 17-foot height cap.

Centennial regulates accessory structures through the Land Development Code. Small sheds typically do not require building permits but must comply with setback requirements. Structures over 50 sq ft in certain districts require screening with a 6-foot fence. HOA approval may also be needed.

Recreational fire pits are permitted in Centennial when no burn ban is in effect. Fire pits must not exceed 3 feet in diameter with 2-foot maximum flame height. A 15-foot clearance from structures is required. Gas/propane fire pits are typically exempt from burn bans.

Centennial prohibits burning of trash, rubbish, construction materials, yard debris, leaves, or recyclable materials at all times. Recreational fires in approved fire pits (no larger than 3 ft diameter, 2 ft flame height) are permitted when no burn ban is in effect. Arapahoe County manages burn ban enforcement.

Centennial residents served by Denver Water face strict drought restrictions. As of 2026, Stage 1 drought restricts outdoor watering to two days per week: even-numbered addresses on Sunday/Thursday, odd on Wednesday/Saturday. Colorado SB24-005 prohibits nonfunctional turf on commercial and common interest community property.

Centennial requires property owners to maintain trees and vegetation that do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sightlines. Trees overhanging public right-of-way must be trimmed to appropriate heights. The city coordinates with Arapahoe County on tree-related development standards.

Centennial does not have a citywide tree removal ordinance for private property. Property owners may generally remove trees on their own land. Development projects must comply with landscaping standards in the Land Development Code. HOA covenants may restrict tree removal.