Arvada, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 94-5 is Arvada's general street and sidewalk obstruction rule. It makes it unlawful for any person to obstruct or in any manner encumber a street, alley or sidewalk, or to erect a building, in whole or in part, on any street, alley, sidewalk or public ground within the city, unless the person first obtains a permit from the city manager, or, where the obstruction is tied to an event, secures a special events permit or waiver under the Land Development Code. The section reaches both temporary encumbrances, like construction materials, dumpsters, signage or fencing placed in the right-of-way, and structures actually built within street or sidewalk boundaries.

Once something is erected without authorization, the city manager can order it removed, and the person responsible must take it down within 24 hours of that notice; failing to remove it after notice is itself a separate violation. The chapter's companion provisions reinforce the same right-of-way control: § 94-3 separately bars leaving cellar doors, gratings or vault covers in a street or sidewalk open, out of repair, insecure or unguarded, and § 94-6 bars depositing hay, litter, ashes or rubbish on a street, alley, sidewalk, ditch or vacant lot. Together these sections give the city manager broad, permit-based control over anything placed in or built on Arvada's public rights-of-way.