101 local rules on file · Pop. 594 · Arapahoe County
Showing ordinances that apply to Watkins CDP (part), Arapahoe County, Colorado, CO
Watkins CDP (part), Arapahoe County, Colorado is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 594 in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Because Watkins CDP (part), Arapahoe County, Colorado is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Arapahoe County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Arapahoe County may have different rules.
Arapahoe County requires permitted pool barriers per 2018 IRC Appendix G and ISPSC. Minimum barrier height 48 inches, self-closing/self-latching gates opening outward, latch height 54 inches, and max 4-inch opening through any pattern. Applies to all pools over 24 inches deep.
Arapahoe County Building Division requires a permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of footing to top of wall, or for any wall supporting a surcharge. Engineered plans stamped by a Colorado-licensed PE are required for walls over 4 feet.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Arapahoe County ordinances.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-2 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and tubular steel are generally permitted. Barbed wire is restricted to agricultural and industrial zones. HOAs in Centennial, Aurora master-planned communities, and Cherry Hills Village commonly impose stricter material standards.
The proposed Arapahoe County STR license requires hosts to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance specifically covering short-term rental activity. Platform-provided coverage (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo Liability Insurance) may satisfy the requirement if proof is provided at application.
Proposed Arapahoe County STR regulations cap occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, with a hard limit based on bedroom count. Listings must state the maximum, and sleeping in garages, RVs, or tents on the property is prohibited.
Proposed Arapahoe County STR regulations require operators to provide a parking plan to renters. A minimum of one parking space is required for studio or one-bedroom units and two spaces for larger units. The county's 2025 parking ordinance also applies.
As of early 2026, unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have an STR licensing or registration requirement. STRs are currently allowed by right in residential areas. The county is developing proposed licensing regulations with a local responsible agent requirement and possible 500-foot separation rule.
The proposed Arapahoe County STR regulations require that amplified music and noise from short-term rentals not exceed levels allowed by Colorado Revised Statutes. State noise limits of 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at property boundaries apply.
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Arapahoe County are subject to the 3.9% Colorado state accommodations tax. There is no county-level lodging tax currently. Proposed STR licensing fees include $200 for application and $350 annual license fee.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licenses family child care homes. Arapahoe County allows home daycares as a permitted use in residential zones subject to state license. Small (up to 6 kids) and large (7-12 kids) programs have separate requirements.
Colorado Cottage Foods Act CRS 25-4-1614 allows producers in unincorporated Arapahoe County to sell up to $10,000 per product annually of non-potentially hazardous foods directly to consumers. No health inspection required, but producer must complete a food-safety training course.
Signage for home businesses in unincorporated Arapahoe County is regulated under the Land Development Code. Home occupations are limited in their ability to display business signage to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.
Home occupations in unincorporated Arapahoe County must limit customer traffic to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood. The Land Development Code supplementary use regulations establish standards for traffic generation from home businesses.
Home occupations in unincorporated Arapahoe County are regulated as accessory uses under the Land Development Code. Permitted uses vary by zone district per Table 3-2.1. Home businesses must be secondary to the residential use of the property.
Arapahoe County Building Division requires permits for all in-ground and above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches. Plan review covers the 2021 IRC, IBC, ISPSC barrier requirements, electrical GFCI, and drainage. Altitude and freeze-depth considerations affect Colorado pool construction.
Arapahoe County Building Division requires an electrical permit for hot tub 240V installation. Hot tubs over 24 inches deep require a barrier per 2018 IRC Appendix G unless covered by an ASTM F1346 locking safety cover. Setbacks from property lines apply.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Arapahoe County are subject to the same ISPSC barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Building permits may be required depending on size and permanence. Pool walls alone may not satisfy barrier requirements.
Swimming pools in unincorporated Arapahoe County must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) barrier requirements. Fencing must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and latches at least 54 inches high.
Swimming pools in unincorporated Arapahoe County must pass multiple inspections including structure, circulation, drains, electrical bonding, backflow prevention, and gas piping. Building permits are required for all pool construction.
Arapahoe County requires property owners to maintain defensible space in designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones, especially southern county areas near Cherry Creek State Park and foothills. The Marshall Fire (Dec 2021) prompted stricter Front Range enforcement. Colorado has no statewide defensible space mandate.
Arapahoe County's western foothills and Cherry Creek drainage are in designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones. Defensible space (100-foot reduced-fuel zone) is required per local fire protection districts. IBHS/NFPA standards apply for new construction in high-risk areas.
Fire pit use in unincorporated Arapahoe County depends on the current burn ban stage. Propane and natural gas fire pits that produce no sparks are allowed even under Stage 2 bans. Wood-burning fire pits are restricted during Stage 1 and prohibited during Stage 2.
Fireworks legal under Colorado state law are permitted in unincorporated Arapahoe County through July 5th annually. All aerial and exploding fireworks are illegal statewide under CRS 12-28-101. During burn bans, all fireworks are prohibited.
Open burning in unincorporated Arapahoe County is regulated through a tiered burn ban system enforced by the Sheriff's Office. Stage 1 prohibits open burning without a fire district permit. Stage 2 prohibits virtually all outdoor fires except gas-fueled appliances.
Arapahoe County regulates amplified music through the general noise ordinance and C.R.S. §18-9-106 disturbing the peace. Sound amplification permits are required for public events. Residential amplified music must not exceed property-line dB limits. Outdoor venues in unincorporated areas require special use permits.
Arapahoe County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. Operation must comply with general noise limits under C.R.S. §25-12-103 and county noise rules. Gas-powered blowers remain legal throughout unincorporated Arapahoe County. Cities within the county (Aurora, Centennial, Littleton) follow their own municipal noise codes but none ban gas blowers outright.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County relies on Colorado Noise Abatement Statute CRS 25-12-103 for noise regulation. State law sets maximum permissible noise levels by zone and time of day, with stricter limits from 7 PM to 7 AM. The Arapahoe County Sheriff enforces noise complaints.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have a separate construction hours ordinance. Colorado state law CRS 25-12-103 applies construction noise at industrial zone standards. Construction is effectively permitted during standard daytime hours with higher decibel allowances.
Arapahoe County Animal Services enforces barking dog complaints under Resolution No. 25-140 in unincorporated areas. Noisy dogs are considered a nuisance, and officers respond to complaints in unincorporated Arapahoe County, Deer Trail, and Foxfield.
Arapahoe County treats foundation-built tiny homes under 400 sq ft as dwellings governed by 2018 IRC Appendix Q. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs under CRS 42-1-102(61) and generally cannot serve as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code classifies carports as accessory structures. Permits are required. Setbacks are 5 feet side/rear in most residential zones, maximum height 16 feet, and carports count toward the 30-35% lot coverage maximum.
Arapahoe County approved ADUs in unincorporated areas effective September 12, 2023, under LDC Section 3-3.2 D. Three types are permitted: internal, attached, and detached. Minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft. Owner occupancy is required and short-term rental is prohibited.
Sheds and accessory structures in unincorporated Arapahoe County must comply with the Land Development Code dimensional standards in Table 4-1.1. Building permits are required for construction. Setback requirements vary by zone district.
Garage conversions in unincorporated Arapahoe County require building permits and must comply with the Land Development Code. Converting a garage to an ADU is permitted under Section 3-3.2 D. Off-street parking requirements must still be met.
Arapahoe County Building Division issues electrical permits for Level 2 EV charger installations. Colorado HB 23-1233 prohibits HOAs from banning EV charging equipment. The county follows 2020 NEC and requires inspection for 240V circuits.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County enforces a 72-hour maximum on street parking. No blanket overnight ban exists, but vehicles parked continuously for more than 72 hours are subject to tag-and-tow. Some subdivisions have private covenants restricting overnight parking.
Arapahoe County Code Section 12 and CRS 42-4-1803 authorize removal of abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on public roads over 72 hours or inoperable vehicles visible from the street on private property may be tagged, ticketed, and towed at the owner's expense.
Arapahoe County's 2025 parking ordinance specifically targets oversized commercial vehicles and trailers parked in residential neighborhoods on county roads. The Land Development Code regulates commercial vehicle storage by zone district.
Arapahoe County's 2025 parking ordinance targets oversized vehicles including RVs and trailers parked in residential neighborhoods on county roads. The Land Development Code prohibits outdoor storage of junk or inoperable vehicles unless allowed by the zone district.
Driveway regulations in unincorporated Arapahoe County are governed by the Land Development Code Chapter 4 development standards. Access permits are required for driveways connecting to county roads. Off-street parking areas cannot be used as commercial parking lots.
Arapahoe County adopted Ordinance No. 2024-02 effective January 1, 2025, regulating parking on unincorporated county roads, highways, and county-owned property. Deputies can issue $150 citations and tow vehicles that obstruct roads or violate posted signage.
Arapahoe County Weed Control enforces the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. §35-5.5-101) through its Weed Advisory Board. Property owners must abate listed noxious weeds and keep vegetation under 12 inches. Front Range wildfire concerns drive summer enforcement, especially after the Marshall Fire.
Colorado HB 16-1005 legalized limited residential rainwater harvesting statewide. Arapahoe County residents may collect up to 110 gallons in max two barrels, outdoor irrigation use only. Prior Appropriation Doctrine still governs—commercial or larger collection requires water right. Cherry Creek watershed adds protections.
Arapahoe County encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 prohibit HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Resource Central and Denver Water rebates up to $3 per sq ft apply for lawn replacement in participating service areas.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County permits artificial turf on residential property without a permit when installed at grade. Colorado HB 19-1050 protects artificial turf as a drought-tolerant landscape. HOAs cannot ban it outright but may impose reasonable aesthetic rules.
Arapahoe County's updated landscape regulations account for existing water resources. Colorado CRS 37-60-126 prevents HOAs from prohibiting xeriscape landscaping. Water restrictions are primarily set by individual water districts serving unincorporated areas.
Arapahoe County LDC Chapter 4-1.3 includes tree preservation rules for development projects in unincorporated areas. Tree surveys and replacement requirements apply during development. Russian olive trees are noxious weeds that should be removed under state law.
Arapahoe County enforces weed control on unincorporated lands under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. The county manages noxious weeds on public land and educates landowners on compliance. Property owners are legally responsible for controlling noxious weeds.
Arapahoe County updated its landscape regulations in November 2024 with tree preservation requirements in LDC Chapter 4-1.3. Regulations include tree survey requirements and rules for removal, replacement, and protection of trees during development.
Arapahoe County permits backyard chickens in most residential zones under the Land Development Code. Unincorporated areas allow up to 6-8 hens with no roosters on standard residential lots. Aurora allows 8 hens per City Code §14-64. Larger livestock restricted to A-1 agricultural and R-E (Rural Estate) zoning.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations prohibit intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears). Arapahoe County follows CPW rules. Bird feeders are regulated in bear-active areas and unsecured trash can constitute illegal feeding.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have specific beekeeping regulations. Agricultural zone districts (A-E, A-1) broadly allow agricultural uses including beekeeping. Residential zone beekeeping is generally permitted but may be subject to nuisance provisions.
Exotic animal ownership in unincorporated Arapahoe County is governed primarily by Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations. A Commercial Wildlife Park License is required for native wildlife or exotic animals not on the state's unregulated wildlife list.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County requires dogs to be under physical or voice control at all times per Animal Services Resolution No. 25-140. Dogs not under control are considered 'at large.' The Sheriff's Animal Services division enforces animal regulations.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned. Colorado law HB 18-1126 prevents HOAs from restricting dogs based solely on breed, weight, or size. Nearby Aurora repealed its pit bull ban in January 2025.
Aurora City Code §46-451 limits garage sales to 3 per calendar year per household. Centennial and Littleton follow 3-4 per year standards. Unincorporated Arapahoe County has no specific frequency cap but repeated sales may trigger unlicensed retail classification. Each sale limited to 3 consecutive days.
Aurora City Code §46-451 limits garage sale hours to 8 AM to dusk. Centennial and Littleton follow 8 AM to 6 PM typical. Weekends (Friday-Sunday) most common. Merchandise and signs must be removed same day. Items left at curb may trigger property maintenance violations.
Aurora, Centennial, and most Arapahoe County cities do NOT require permits for residential garage sales if within frequency and signage limits. No permit needed in unincorporated county. Sales must be personal property only—not commercially purchased inventory. HOAs may impose additional rules.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not have a county-wide mandatory trash service, but waste management contracts with private haulers (Waste Management, Republic) set pickup rules. Bins typically must be stored out of street view between collection days and placed out no earlier than 12 hours before pickup.
Arapahoe County Code Section 7 addresses nuisance and blight conditions. Violations include accumulated junk, overgrown vegetation, broken windows, deteriorated structures, and inoperable vehicles. Enforcement is complaint-driven with a 10-day notice-to-correct standard.
Vacant lot owners in unincorporated Arapahoe County must keep grass and weeds under 12 inches, control noxious weeds under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, remove trash, and secure the property. The county may abate and bill the owner for non-compliance.
Arapahoe County cities enforce property maintenance standards during garage sales. Items must be organized and removed from yards by end of sale hours. Unsold items cannot remain at curb. Signs must come down within 24 hours. Aurora §46-300 and Centennial §7-6 blight rules apply.
Aurora City Code §138-300 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending. Centennial MC §7-6-10 requires clearance within 24 hours. Littleton §7-10-1 requires clearance by 9 AM following day. Paths must be 36+ inches wide. Corner lots must clear curb ramps.
Arapahoe County residential zones typically limit structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories per Land Development Code §3-2. Aurora UDO §146-4 follows 35 ft residential standard. Cherry Hills Village restricts to 32 ft to preserve view corridors. DIA flight-path zones impose additional FAA Part 77 height limits.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §3-2 limits lot coverage: R-1 typically 35%, R-2 40%, R-A (rural) 20%. Aurora UDO §146-4 limits R-1 to 40% coverage. Cherry Creek watershed properties face additional impervious surface limits. Stormwater management triggered at 50%+ impervious.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §3-2 establishes setbacks by zoning district. R-1: 25 ft front, 7 ft side, 25 ft rear. Aurora City Code and Centennial Municipal Code set similar standards. Cherry Hills Village mandates substantially larger setbacks (50+ ft front) preserving semi-rural character.
Aurora permits cannabis dispensaries under City Code §94-400, limited to designated commercial zones with 1,000-foot buffer from schools, daycares, and residential zones. Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood allow dispensaries with similar restrictions. Cherry Hills Village bans retail. Greenwood Village bans retail. Unincorporated Arapahoe County permits licensed operations.
Colorado Amendment 64 and C.R.S. §18-18-406 permit adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per adult (12 max per household, only 3 flowering). Aurora City Code §94-370 caps at 12 per household. Plants must be in enclosed, locked space not visible to public. Arapahoe County follows state framework in unincorporated areas.
Arapahoe County and cities require erosion and sediment control per Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) and Mile High Flood District standards. Projects over 1 acre need state CDPS Stormwater Construction Permit. Silt fencing, stabilized entrances, and BMPs required. Cherry Creek Watershed imposes stricter controls.
Arapahoe County is MS4-permitted under the Clean Water Act and Colorado Discharge Permit System. New development requires stormwater management per Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD/Mile High Flood District) standards. Cherry Creek Watershed Reg. 72 imposes stricter requirements. Water quality capture volume (WQCV) required.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §4-4 requires grading permits for excavation or fill over 100 cubic yards or slopes over 3 feet. Aurora City Code §22-170 thresholds similar. Drainage must not redirect water to neighbors. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering. Colorado freeze depth 30-36 inches affects foundations.
Arapahoe County is landlocked—no coastal rules apply. However, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Cherry Creek, Plum Creek, Sand Creek, and the Highline Canal receive riparian and floodplain protections. Buffer setbacks 50-100 ft from waterways. FEMA floodplain rules and Cherry Creek Watershed Regulation 72 govern development near water.
Arapahoe County regulates the 100-year floodplain in unincorporated areas under LDC Sections 2-4.10 and 4-3.5. SEMSWA administers floodplain rules for the county. The county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. New FEMA flood maps were updated in 2023.
Arapahoe County does not have a formal heritage tree program, but Aurora's Forestry Division and Cherry Hills Village protect significant specimen trees. The Colorado Tree Coalition maintains a Champion Tree registry. Mature cottonwoods in Cherry Creek corridor receive informal preservation through landscape review.
Aurora, Centennial, and Cherry Hills Village require replacement of permitted tree removals in public right-of-way and subdivisions. Replacement ratios 1:1 to 3:1 with 2-inch caliper minimum. Colorado native and drought-tolerant species preferred. Fee-in-lieu to city tree fund permitted.
Aurora City Code §94-350 requires permits to remove public trees (right-of-way); private property trees over 12 inches DBH may require review. Centennial has street tree protections through public works. Cherry Hills Village strictly protects mature trees. Unincorporated Arapahoe County has limited tree regulations.
Arapahoe County cities require solicitor and peddler permits with background checks. Aurora City Code §98-41 mandates permits and ID badges. Centennial Municipal Code §9-16 and Littleton §7-8-1 require similar registration. Hours limited to 9 AM-8 PM. Religious and political canvassing exempt per First Amendment.
Aurora and Centennial maintain no-solicitation registries and enforce posted No Soliciting signs. Registered addresses are distributed to permitted commercial solicitors. Violators face $100 to $500 fines. Registry does not apply to political, religious, or nonprofit canvassing which are First Amendment protected.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-4 requires fully-shielded (full-cutoff) outdoor lighting for new installations. Aurora UDO §146-4 and Centennial §12-11 require similar. Cherry Hills Village has particularly strict dark-sky rules to preserve rural character. LED color temperature 3000K or below preferred. DIA affects nearby lighting.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County's Land Development Code Section 4-400 regulates exterior lighting. Fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward, with illumination levels limited at the property line to prevent light trespass onto adjacent residential properties.
Arapahoe County recycling follows Colorado's Producer Responsibility Program (HB 22-1355, effective 2026). Aurora and Centennial residents receive curbside single-stream recycling. Accepted: paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, plastics #1-#2 (some haulers #5). Multi-family requirements expanding.
Arapahoe County cities require bins curbside on collection day with lids closed, 3+ feet apart, and retrieved within 12-24 hours. Aurora City Code §138-73 and Centennial Municipal Code §7-8 specify bin storage out of public view between pickups. HOAs may impose stricter rules.
Arapahoe County bulk disposal varies by hauler. Aurora residents get two free bulk pickups per year through licensed haulers. Centennial offers scheduled bulk service via Waste Management. The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds hosts Tox-Away Days for HHW. Construction debris excluded.
Arapahoe County trash collection is not a county service in unincorporated areas—residents contract directly with private haulers (Waste Management, Republic Services, GFL, A-1 Organics). Aurora operates through competitive private contracts. Centennial uses PAYT-style tiered bins.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code Section 5-2300 allows temporary garage sale signs on private property without a permit. Signs are limited to 4 sq ft and 3 days. Placement in the public right-of-way, utility poles, or traffic signs is prohibited and subject to immediate removal.
Arapahoe County does not regulate residential holiday decorations through its sign or zoning code. Displays must not obstruct sight-distance triangles or public right-of-way, create fire hazards, or violate outdoor lighting rules. HOA covenants often add their own timing and placement rules.
Arapahoe County Land Development Code Section 5-2300 treats political signs as temporary signs. Signs are allowed on private residential property without a permit up to 32 sq ft total, must not be placed in the right-of-way, and must be removed within 7 days after the election.
Arapahoe County recreational drone use follows FAA regulations under 49 USC §44809. Drones over 0.55 lbs require FAA registration. DIA proximity creates significant restricted airspace across northern Arapahoe County. Cherry Creek State Park prohibits drone launches. TRUST test mandatory.
Commercial drone operators in Arapahoe County must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. DIA, Centennial Airport, and Buckley SFB create complex controlled airspace requiring LAANC. Aurora and Centennial may require business licenses for commercial UAS services. Remote ID mandatory.
Arapahoe County cities restrict food trucks to approved vending zones with distance rules from restaurants, schools, and intersections. Aurora City Code §94-86 limits stays to 4 hours per location. Private property requires owner consent and sometimes zoning approval. Downtown Littleton and Olde Town Centennial have designated areas.
Arapahoe County food trucks require a Tri-County Health Department mobile retail food permit plus city-specific vendor license (Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Englewood). Annual health inspection, commissary agreement, and liability insurance required. Colorado Retail Food Rules 6 CCR 1010-2 apply.
Aurora enforces a juvenile curfew under City Code §94-326 for minors under 18: 11 PM-5 AM Sun-Thu, midnight-5 AM Fri-Sat. Parents liable for violations. Exceptions: work, school events, emergencies, accompanied by adult. Centennial and Littleton have similar curfews. Unincorporated Arapahoe County has no specific curfew.
Arapahoe County Open Space parks close at sunset unless otherwise posted. Cherry Creek State Park closes at 10 PM or posted hours. Aurora parks close 11 PM to 5 AM. Centennial parks close dusk to 5 AM. After-hours presence is trespassing enforceable by the Arapahoe County Sheriff or city police.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not require rental property registration or licensing for long-term rentals. Colorado state habitability and warranty statutes apply. Arapahoe County has a proposed short-term rental licensing program separately.
Colorado HB 24-1098 established statewide just-cause eviction protections for most residential tenants. Arapahoe County follows state law: landlords need a statutory reason to terminate tenancy or refuse lease renewal. Self-help eviction is prohibited.
Arapahoe County cannot enact rent control. Colorado Revised Statute 38-12-301 preempts local rent control ordinances on both private residential property and mobile home lots. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Arapahoe County Building Division requires combination building and electrical permits for residential solar PV installations. The county participates in the SolarAPP+ instant permit program for qualifying rooftop systems, often returning permits within one business day.
Colorado CRS 38-30-168 and HB 23-1233 protect homeowners' rights to install solar panels. HOAs in Arapahoe County cannot prohibit rooftop solar and must approve reasonable installations. Restrictions that significantly increase cost or reduce output are unenforceable.