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Fence height limits in Manitou Springs are established in the Land Use and Development Code (LUDC, Title 18). The city's historic character and hilly terrain mean fence placement and height are reviewed with neighborhood compatibility in mind.
Building permits for fences in Manitou Springs are issued by PPRBD. Fences exceeding height limits or in historic overlay districts may require additional review. Standard residential fences meeting code may not require a permit.
Colorado Good Neighbor Fence Law (C.R.S. §35-46-112) applies in Manitou Springs. Both property owners sharing a boundary fence are equally responsible for maintenance costs. No city notification requirement for standard fence installations.
Carports in Manitou Springs are accessory structures regulated under Title 18 (Zoning) and require a two-step permit: a Property Improvement Permit (PIP) from the City of Manitou Springs first, then a building permit from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Setbacks, height, and lot-coverage limits depend on the underlying residential zoning district; confirm the figures for your zone with city Planning before construction.
Accessory structures (sheds, workshops) in Manitou Springs require PPRBD permits if over 200 square feet. Given the city's steep terrain and historic character, accessory structure placement requires careful planning.
Manitou Springs must comply with Colorado HB 24-1152 (effective June 30, 2025) requiring ADUs on all single-family lots. The city's steep terrain, historic character, and STR regulations add complexity to ADU development.
Garage conversions to living space or ADUs in Manitou Springs require PPRBD building permits. Historic district design review may apply. Converted garage space cannot be used as an STR if designated as an ADU.
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.
Manitou Springs ties STR occupancy to the building code occupant load rather than a fixed guest count. Permits are limited to 2% of the city's residential structures (about 56 units), STRs must be the owner's primary residence (185+ days/year), and new STRs must be at least 500 feet from any other STR.
Manitou Springs requires every short-term rental permit applicant to carry liability insurance, but the city has not published a specific dollar minimum in its public STR materials. Hosts should confirm the current required amount with the Planning Department at (719) 685-5481 before submitting a permit application; STR carriers commonly write $500,000 to $1,000,000 per-occurrence policies for Colorado mountain markets.
Manitou Springs requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for all rentals of 1–29 days. All new STRs must be owner-occupied (185 days/year), within a 500-foot buffer from other STRs, and are capped at 2% of residential structures citywide.
STR owners in Manitou Springs are required to actively enforce noise and disturbance rules on their guests. Noise complaints are handled by MSPD at 719-390-5555 and can lead to STR permit revocation.
STR permits in Manitou Springs require vehicle allowances to be posted in the unit (City Code §18.03.8.3). Manitou Springs is a pedestrian-oriented historic town with very limited parking; STR guests must comply with posted parking rules.
STR stays in Manitou Springs are subject to Colorado state sales tax (2.9%), El Paso County lodging tax, and Manitou Springs city sales/lodging taxes. Marketplace platforms collect and remit automatically.
Manitou Springs passed a tree care and protection ordinance in 2022, demonstrating commitment to urban tree canopy preservation. Property owners must maintain trees that do not encroach into rights-of-way or pose hazards.
Manitou Springs operates its own municipal water system sourced from French Creek (Pikes Peak watershed). Permanent Water Wise rules limit outdoor watering to 3 days/week and prohibit overhead watering 10 AM–6 PM in irrigation season. Stage 1 restrictions add even/odd day schedules and 5–8 AM / 7–10 PM windows.
Manitou Springs enforces property maintenance standards including control of overgrown grass and weeds. The city's tourist character and commitment to environmental stewardship means properties are expected to be well-maintained.
Manitou Springs' 2022 tree ordinance establishes care and protection standards that may restrict removal of significant trees on private property. Wildfire-risk defensible space needs must be balanced with tree protection goals.
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.
Above-ground pools in Manitou Springs require PPRBD permits and must meet ISPSC barrier requirements. Given the city's hilly terrain, site drainage and structural stability may require additional consideration.
Swimming pool barriers in Manitou Springs must comply with International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requirements: minimum 48 inches, self-closing/self-latching gates. Permits through PPRBD required.
Pool installation in Manitou Springs requires PPRBD building, electrical, and gas permits. Given the city's water restrictions, pool filling should be done carefully. Inspections required before filling.
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.
Construction noise in Manitou Springs is regulated under Chapter 6.08 and the Colorado state noise framework (C.R.S. §25-12-103). Standard construction hours are 7 AM–7 PM. Given the town's tourist character, construction noise outside business hours is particularly discouraged.
Manitou Springs Municipal Code Chapter 7.04.090 requires pet owners to prevent animals from disturbing neighbors with excessive barking or howling. Violations result in citations through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR).
Manitou Springs enacted a formal Noise Regulation Ordinance (No. 2817, adopted August 15, 2017), codified in Chapter 6.08 of the municipal code. The city is a small historic tourist town and enforces noise standards to preserve residential quality of life.
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.
Home businesses in Manitou Springs must not generate more traffic than typical residential use. Given narrow streets and already-limited parking, home occupation client traffic must be managed carefully through appointment scheduling.
Home-based businesses in Manitou Springs are regulated under the LUDC (Title 18). Given the city's tourist and pedestrian-oriented character, home occupation permits require that businesses not alter the residential character of the neighborhood.
Manitou Springs strictly regulates signage given its historic tourist character. Home occupation signs are limited to small non-illuminated signs attached to the home. The city is known for strict sign enforcement on Manitou Avenue and throughout the historic areas.
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.
Manitou Springs has a tiered fire restriction system (Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050) with Stage 1 and Stage 2 (full ban) levels. Open burning of waste is always prohibited; recreational fires are allowed during Stage 0 but banned under active restrictions.
Fire pits in Manitou Springs are allowed during Stage 0 (no restrictions) and Stage 1 restrictions under Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050, provided they have proper screen covers and 15-foot clearance from structures. Banned under Stage 2 and Red Flag Warnings.
ALL fireworks — including permissible/Safe and Sane types — are banned in Manitou Springs. Only professional/public displays with permits are allowed. Manitou Springs is in a high wildfire-risk area and strictly enforces the ban.
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.
Beekeeping in Manitou Springs is subject to zoning and land use standards under Title 18 (LUDC). Colorado Department of Agriculture hive registration is required. Given the dense residential and tourist character of the city, hive placement and management require care.
Manitou Springs has no breed-specific ordinance. Colorado SB 21-132 (2021) prohibits local governments from enacting breed-specific bans. Dangerous animals may be regulated individually based on behavior.
Manitou Springs requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 4 feet when off the owner's property (Municipal Code Chapter 7). The city has no dog park; off-leash areas are limited. HSPPR provides animal control services.
Exotic or wild animals are subject to Colorado state wildlife regulations and Manitou Springs animal ordinances. Keeping wildlife or non-domesticated animals as pets is generally prohibited without appropriate state permits.
Manitou Springs may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.
Colorado C.R.S. §33-6-131 prohibits intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, bears) statewide. El Paso County follows this. Bear-attractant rules apply especially in mountain and foothill neighborhoods near Pikes Peak.
Colorado criminalizes animal hoarding under the cruelty statute when conditions cause suffering. The law applies uniformly statewide regardless of municipal animal limits.
Commercial vehicle parking in Manitou Springs residential zones is subject to nuisance provisions and general traffic code. The narrow streets and residential character of most zones make large commercial vehicle storage inappropriate.
RV and large vehicle parking in Manitou Springs is limited to designated areas: Hiawatha Gardens Lot, the 300–400 blocks of Manitou Avenue, and Fields Park. Overnight camping/sleeping in vehicles is prohibited citywide.
Manitou Springs requires vehicles on private property to be parked in compliant areas. Given the city's limited street space, driveway usage and on-property storage are especially important. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles should not be stored in public view.
Manitou Springs has a managed parking system due to its narrow canyon-town geography and high tourist traffic. Residential permit parking zones, paid parking, and time-limited spaces apply throughout the city. Overnight parking restrictions exist in many areas.
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.
Manitou Springs is in a high-risk flood zone along Fountain Creek and its tributaries, with a history of devastating flash floods (2013 Waldo Canyon flood). FEMA-designated SFHA zones require Floodplain Development Permits. The city has a Watershed District (Chapter 6.18).
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.