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Colorado Springs, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 3.2.217
Reclaim window
30 days before object becomes City property
Unpermitted sign window
Fri. noon–Mon. noon, ≤6 sq ft
Enforcement
Mayor or Utilities Executive Director
Unauthorized signs
Removed without notice by Code Enforcement
Default penalty
Up to $2,500 fine / 189 days jail (§1.1.201)

Summary

Colorado Springs bans placing any encumbrance on a sidewalk, street, alley, other public way, or natural watercourse, earth fill, building materials, fences, platforms, stairs, railings or barricades, without a revocable permit under City Code § 3.2.217. Objects left unclaimed for 30 days after removal become City property.

A. Unlawful To Obstruct Public Way: It shall be unlawful for any person to place upon or construct upon any sidewalk, street, alley or other public way or upon any natural watercourse or improved drainway any encumbrance or obstruction, such as, but not limited to, earth fill, building materials, fences, platforms, stairs, railings or barricades (hereafter "offending object"), except under the terms of a revocable permit as provided in this part. ... C. Abandoned Objects Become City Property: If within thirty (30) days the offending object has not been reclaimed and all costs of removal and restoration of the public way paid, the same shall be presumed to have been abandoned and the Mayor or Utilities Executive Director may declare the same to be City property.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).

Full Breakdown

2. 217B). If the deadline passes, the City removes the object, restores the site, and bills the owner for all costs. 217C). 217D1). 217D2). The section was last amended by Ordinance 26-02, folded into the June 2026 code update.

Violations & Fines

Obstructing a public way without a revocable permit violates § 3.2.217A. Noncompliance with a removal notice lets the City remove the object and restore the site at the owner's expense (§3.2.217B), and unclaimed, unpaid-for objects become City property after 30 days (§3.2.217C). Because no distinct fine is set for this section, violations fall under the Code's general penalty: a fine up to $2,500, up to 189 days in jail, probation, or a combination (§1.1.201B).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave a yard-sale sign in the Colorado Springs right-of-way?
Only between noon Friday and noon Monday, and only if it's 6 square feet or smaller, kept off medians, parks, utility easements and poles, and outside the Form Based Zone District (§3.2.217D2). Outside that window it needs a revocable permit.
What happens if I store building materials on the sidewalk during a remodel?
It's unlawful without a revocable permit (§3.2.217A). The Mayor or Utilities Executive Director will give written notice to remove them; if you miss the deadline the City removes and restores the site and bills you for the cost.
Who enforces sidewalk and street obstruction rules?
The Mayor or the Utilities Executive Director handles general obstructions and removal notices, while the Code Enforcement Administrator can pull unauthorized signs from the right-of-way without any advance notice (§3.2.217B, D1).
What happens to items the City removes from a public way?
If the object isn't reclaimed and all removal and restoration costs aren't paid within 30 days, it is presumed abandoned and the Mayor or Utilities Executive Director may declare it City property to use or dispose of (§3.2.217C).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Colorado Springs

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsLight RestrictionsSidewalk RepairSome RestrictionsEncroachment PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Colorado Springs rules

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