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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Premises Liability Snow Removal Standards Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
C.R.S. 13-21-115
Type
Premises Liability Act
Preemption
Exclusive injury remedy
Local Add-on
Cities set timelines

Summary

Colorado's Premises Liability Act sets statewide landowner duties regarding snow and ice. Specific clearing timelines remain a local ordinance matter under home rule across Colorado.

(3) In any civil action brought against a landowner by a person who alleges injury occurring while on the real property of another and by reason of the condition of such property, or activities conducted or circumstances existing on such property, the landowner is liable only as provided in subsection (4) of this section. Sections 13-21-111, 13-21-111.5, and 13-21-111.7 apply to an action to which this section applies. This subsection (3) must not be construed to abrogate the doctrine of attractive nuisance as applied to persons under fourteen years of age. A person who is at least fourteen years of age but is less than eighteen years of age is presumed competent for purposes of the application of this section. (4) (a) A trespasser may only recover damages willfully or deliberately caused by the landowner. (b) A licensee may only recover damages caused: (I) By the landowner's unreasonable failure to exercise reasonable care with respect to dangers created by the landowner that the landowner actually knew about; or (II) By the landowner's unreasonable failure to warn of dangers not created by the landowner that are not ordinarily present on property of the type involved and that the landowner actually knew about.

Source: C.R.S. 13-21-115 - Actions against landowners (Premises Liability)View official code

Full Breakdown

C.R.S. 13-21-115 establishes Colorado's Premises Liability Act, which is the exclusive remedy for injury claims against landowners and limits liability based on the entrant's status (invitee, licensee, trespasser). The statute preempts common-law negligence theories. Property owners owe invitees a duty to use reasonable care regarding known dangers including ice and snow. Specific snow removal hour requirements (e.g., 24 hours after snowfall) are set by local ordinances; the state law governs only liability standards.

Violations & Penalties

Premises liability claims allow injured invitees to recover damages where landowners failed to exercise reasonable care; local clearing ordinances carry citations $25-$500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Colorado homeowner liable for sidewalk slip-and-falls?
Liability depends on the entrant's status under C.R.S. 13-21-115. Property owners owe reasonable care to invitees regarding known ice hazards but typically not to trespassers.
Does Colorado require homeowners to shovel sidewalks?
No statewide mandate exists. Local Colorado municipalities like Denver and Boulder require sidewalk clearing within 24 hours of snowfall, with fines for noncompliance.

Sources

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