Westminster, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Obstruction clearance window
- 24 hours after notice
- Clear height exemption
- Objects 7 feet or higher
- Removal surcharge
- 10% added to actual cost
- Enforcement basis
- Lien under Title I, Chapter 31, W.M.C.
- Emergency obstructions
- Abated immediately as public nuisance
Summary
Westminster makes it unlawful to let anything block a public sidewalk, curb or gutter next to your property under Section 9-1-5 of Title IX. Piles of materials, overhanging vegetation, weeds and structures under seven feet of clearance all count as obstructions, and the City can order them removed within 24 hours before billing or citing the property.
(A)It shall be unlawful for any person to allow obstructions to remain on any sidewalk, curb or gutter open to the public and abutting or adjoining the property controlled, owned or occupied by such person. Obstructions, for purposes of this Section, include, but are not limited to, piles of materials, overhanging vegetation, weeds, adjoining structures overhanging the sidewalk, or any other physical object located within the width of the sidewalk, curb or gutter (excepting lawfully parked motor vehicles) and less than seven feet above the sidewalk.(B)(1)...you are required to remove all obstructions from such sidewalks, curb or cutter within 24 hours of this notice. Failure to remove obstructions from the public sidewalk, curb or gutter within 24 hours of this notice may result in the issuance of a summons and complaint, or the City may remove such obstructions and assess the cost against the premises abutting the sidewalk, curb or gutter or both such summons and removal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12).
Full Breakdown
bars any person from allowing obstructions to remain on a sidewalk, curb or gutter open to the public and abutting or adjoining property they control, own or occupy. The section defines obstructions broadly to include piles of materials, overhanging vegetation, weeds, adjoining structures that overhang the sidewalk, or any other physical object within the sidewalk, curb or gutter's width that sits less than seven feet above the walking surface; lawfully parked motor vehicles are excepted. When a violation is found, Section 9-1-5(B) lets the City Manager or an authorized representative serve, personally, by mail, or by posting, a notice requiring the owner, occupant or person in control to remove all obstructions within 24 hours.
The posted notice itself is treated as adequate notice for the City to remove the obstruction and place a lien if the party cannot be reached. C. The City can also pursue a summons and complaint against the owner, occupant or person in control in addition to, or instead of, removing the obstruction itself. , without waiting out the 24-hour notice period.
Violations & Fines
Failing to clear a cited obstruction within 24 hours of notice or posting lets the City remove it and add the actual removal cost, plus a ten percent administrative surcharge, as a lien on the property under Title I, Chapter 31, W.M.C. The City may also issue a summons and complaint under Section 9-1-6, punishable under the general penalty section, 1-8-1, W.M.C. An obstruction that is an imminent danger can be abated immediately as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack yard waste or firewood next to my sidewalk?
How fast does the City expect an obstruction cleared once I'm notified?
Are parked cars considered a sidewalk obstruction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Adams County handle obstruction rules.