Centennial, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Visible junk vehicles
- Prohibited on any property
- Exception
- Screened fence or enclosed structure
- First-offense fine
- $250 to $2,650
- Repeat fine floor
- $400, then $500 within 12 months
Summary
Centennial bans keeping a junk or inoperable vehicle anywhere visible on public or private property, allowing it only inside a fully enclosed structure or screened by a solid sight-blocking fence.
(a)It is a nuisance and unlawful for any owner to permit, authorize, allow, park, keep, abandon, demolish, dismantle or fail to remove a junk or inoperable vehicle located upon any property, which is either wholly or partially visible from public or private property, unless located in a rear or side yard behind a solid sight screening fence or in a fully enclosed and lawfully existing permanent structure or building. Lawful enclosure does not include tarps, car covers or other similar means of concealment.(b)Exceptions. The nuisances described in this Section shall not apply to land lawfully zoned for a use that allow such vehicles as permitted in Chapter 12 of this Code.(c)Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words or phrases are defined as follows: Junk or inoperable shall mean either of the following:
Full Breakdown
Section 7-2-40 declares it a nuisance and unlawful for any owner to permit, park, keep, abandon, demolish or dismantle a junk or inoperable vehicle on any property that is wholly or partially visible from public or private property, unless it sits in a rear or side yard behind a solid sight-screening fence or inside a fully enclosed, lawfully existing structure: tarps and car covers do not count as enclosure. 'Junk or inoperable' covers vehicles lacking current registration or required safety equipment, or that cannot mechanically operate.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a nuisance under Chapter 7 Article 1: municipal court fines run $250-$2,650 for a first violation, rise to a $400 minimum for a second and $500 for a third within 12 months, plus court costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store a broken-down car in my Centennial backyard?
What's the fine for a junk car nuisance in Centennial?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle abandoned vehicles.