Denver, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Manager of Transportation and Infrastructure
- Financial guarantee
- Bond up to $50,000 or insurance
- Prerequisite
- Required before any building permit issues
- Penalty
- Up to $999 fine or jail
- Revocation
- Permit revocable for traffic or safety
Summary
Any structure or appendage projecting into a Denver street, alley or sidewalk needs a written permit from the manager of transportation and infrastructure, backed by a bond or liability insurance policy.
No part of any structure or any appendage thereto shall occupy space above, on or under any street, alley, sidewalk or other public way or place, except by and under the authority of a permit in writing, granted by the manager of transportation and infrastructure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 49-356 bars any part of a structure or appendage from occupying space above, on, or under a street, alley, sidewalk or other public way without a written permit from the manager of transportation and infrastructure. Section 49-357 conditions issuance on posting a bond up to $50,000 or filing liability insurance with the city as a named insured, covering the encroachment. No building permit for the structure can issue until this right-of-way permit is obtained (§ 49-358), and the manager may revoke the permit whenever needed for traffic movement or public safety (§ 49-359).
Violations & Fines
Occupying the right-of-way without a permit falls under the Code's general penalty: up to a $999 fine, 300 days in jail, or both, per section 1-13; the manager can also revoke the permit outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a balcony or awning over a Denver sidewalk?
What financial guarantee does Denver require for a right-of-way encroachment permit?
Can Denver revoke an existing right-of-way encroachment permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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