Denver requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass/weeds under 6 inches per DRMC §27-129, remove trash, secure against trespass. Vacant Building Registration (DRMC §10-95) required for structures within 30 days of vacancy.
Under Denver Revised Municipal Code §27-129 and Chapter 27 generally, owners of vacant lots and vacant properties must maintain: grass and weeds kept under 6 inches in height, trash and debris removed, snow cleared from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall end per DRMC §49-551, and structures (if any) secured against trespass with all openings covered. Vacant structures must be registered under the Vacant Building Ordinance (DRMC §10-95) within 30 days of vacancy — base fee $250, rising to $5,000+ per year after 4 years. Violations begin with Denver Neighborhood Inspection Services issuing a Notice of Violation giving 14 days to correct. Failure triggers municipal abatement — city mowing, cleanup, or board-up — with costs (typically $300-$2,000 per event) assessed as a lien against the property. Repeat vacant properties may be placed in receivership in extreme cases.
First notice: 14 days to correct. Fines: $150 to $999 per violation per day. City abatement: $300-$2,000 per event liened. Failure to register vacant: $250 initial rising to $5,000+ annually.
See how Denver County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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