Arvada, CO Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Sit-Lie Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 62-52
- Adopted by
- Ordinance No. 4838, March 20, 2023
- Covers
- Sidewalks, alleys, stairways, building entrances
- Exceptions
- Medical emergencies, permitted public events
- Enforcer discretion
- Officer can order obstruction cleared
Summary
Arvada bars obstructing any public passageway, including placing furniture or personal property on a sidewalk, alley, or stairway, and separately makes it a crime to ignore an officer's order to clear the obstruction. Arvada City Code § 62-52, adopted in 2023, exempts medical emergencies and permitted public events like parades and rallies.
Obstruct means to render a passageway impassable or make passage thereupon unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous; to place furniture or other personal property upon a passageway unless incidental to the lawful use of the passageway... No person shall intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: (1)Obstruct a passageway, whether the obstruction was created by the person acting alone or with others; or (2)Disobey a reasonable request or order to end or discontinue an obstruction of a passageway that is issued by a person with authority to control the use of the premises to maintain public safety.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: City Council Policy Manual: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).
Full Breakdown
Adopted by Ordinance No. unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous," and specifically includes "to place furniture or other personal property upon a passageway unless incidental to the lawful use of the passageway," as well as standing in a crosswalk longer than reasonably necessary to cross. " Section 62-52(b) makes it unlawful to "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly" obstruct a passageway, whether acting alone or with others, or to "disobey a reasonable request or order to end or discontinue an obstruction" issued by a "person with authority to control the use of the premises," defined in § 62-52(a)(3) as a uniformed peace officer, EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or city employee acting in the course of their duties.
Section 62-52(c) exempts an obstruction "caused by a medical emergency," or by attendance at a "parade, festival, performance, rally, demonstration, meeting, or similar event" held under a city permit or license. Section 62-52(d) sets the penalty at a fine or imprisonment up to the limits in § 1-5.
Violations & Fines
Placing bedding, bags, or other personal property on a sidewalk or other passageway so it becomes impassable, or ignoring a peace officer's order to clear it, violates § 62-52(b) and is punishable by a fine or jail time up to the § 1-5 limits. Officers need only show the obstruction was intentional, knowing, or reckless, not premeditated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Arvada police make someone move their belongings off a sidewalk?
Does Arvada's obstruction law apply to belongings left on a sidewalk?
Are protests or parades exempt from Arvada's passageway obstruction law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arvada
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