Commonly Asked Questions About Code Enforcement

This is a summary of laws pertaining to Code Enforcement issues within the City that people commonly ask about. If you have any other Code Enforcement questions, please contact Gretchen at the police department at 303-235-0500.

Animals

Not more than 3 dogs and/or cats six months of age or older are permitted in any one-family dwelling. Not more than one (1) such animal is permitted in any dwelling unit zoned for use of greater density than single-family.

Rabies inoculations and tags are required by law.

Animals must be kept on a leash, rope, cord, etc. when not confined in a house, yard, or vehicle.

Owner of animals must immediately remove or clean up animal defecation or excrement which occurs on the property of another person, street, right-of-way, park, open space and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.

Owner of animals are responsible for cleaning up trash if such animal rummages through trash, garbage, etc.

It is unlawful for any owner to allow animals to disturb the peace by barking, fighting, howling, yelping, etc.

It is unlawful for any person to commit any act of cruelty or negligence of any animal. 

It is the responsibility of an owner of a guard dog to ensure such animal cannot escape owner’s property. Warning signs which include a phone number must be posted at all access points on the property. The police dept. must be notified in writing the hours of day/night in which the guard dogs will be posted and the length of time the dogs will be patrolling.

It is unlawful for any person to shoot, throw objects at, set traps for, capture, chase, injure or destroy any wild bird or animal.

It is unlawful for any person to own: 1) any poisonous or venomous biting or injecting species of amphibian, arachnid, insect or reptile, including snakes, 2) any snake not indigenous to this state, 3) any snake in excess of three and one-half feet in length, 4) any wild, exotic animal which includes but is not limited to: bears, felines (other than domestic cats), skunks, raccoons (except as permitted under state license), deer, coyote, etc. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs weighing less than seventy pounds are permitted.

Parks

Edgewater parks are open daily and are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. To reserve a park or pavilion by permit, contact the Parks and Recreation Department. Groups of 15 people or more must obtain a permit.

Commercial activities, advertising and the use of amplification systems are not allowed unless a special permit is obtained from the Parks and Recreation Director.

No tents shall be erected unless the Parks and Recreation Director permits.

Fires are permitted only in the grills provided and must be extinguished before leaving the park.

It is unlawful for any person to litter any park, open space, or facility. All trash must be placed in the disposal receptacles where provided. If no receptacle is provided, such persons shall remove all trash.

No glass bottles at any time.

It is unlawful for any person to throw, strike, propel or otherwise operate flying or propelled objects of a potentially dangerous nature, including such things as model airplanes, rockets, arrows, golf balls or rocks, except in designated areas.

It is unlawful for a dog owner to fail to clean up feces from the park.

Minors

Curfew for minors (under age 18) is as follows: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. except when accompanied by a parent/guardian, for lawful employment, or if accompanied by any person over age 18 and who has written consent.

It is unlawful for any person to furnish to minors any tobacco related product.

It is unlawful for any minor to posses graffiti materials (examples: spray paint, glass cutting tools, a broad-tipped marker pen with a tip that exceeds one-quarter inch in width).

It is unlawful for any person to provide in any way any alcohol beverages of any kind to persons under the age of 21. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to possess any alcohol beverage.

Vehicles

Driving on lawns, fields or any other place other than roads and parking areas constructed specifically for automobiles is prohibited.

Must have verification of emissions test.

No open containers of alcohol.

All traffic rules (speed limit, use of turn signals, proof of insurance, etc.) apply.

The City will enforce laws pertaining to seat belt and child safety seat use in Colorado. 

Junk vehicles (wrecked, partially dismantled, rusted, demolished), non-operating vehicles, or any vehicle not bearing a valid current license plate must be kept in a completely enclosed building (garage, shed, etc.).

Streets/Sidewalks

It is the duty of every owner/occupant to keep the sidewalks free and clear of snow, ice, mud and all other obstructions.

No person shall construct or reconstruct, remove, repair, or alter any sidewalk, driveway, or curb cuts on the public right-of-way without obtaining a permit for such purpose from the city.

Swimming Pools

Any swimming pool which is 18 inches or more in depth at any point must have a barrier around it, at least 4 feet high. All gates or door openings through such enclosure shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices. All fencing must be in place before the pool is filled.

Burning

No person shall burn any rubbish, paper, or other combustible waste matter in any outdoor location in the City, or in any fireplace or other indoor location. No person shall burn any combustible material in any indoor fireplace other than firewood or commercially produced wood products. No person shall operate any barbecue, hibachi, or other outdoor cooking appliance fueled by coal, gas, or other combustible materials, on any balcony of any building more than one story in height.

Miscellaneous

Loitering on school grounds or within 100 feet of school grounds is not permitted.

It is unlawful to disturb the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, or offensive conduct, by loud or unusual noises, or by offensive language.

It is unlawful to interfere, obstruct or disobey, refuse to aid, or false report to a police officer or firefighter.

It is unlawful to participate in gang activity.

It is unlawful for any person to leave open, uncovered, unguarded or in unsafe condition, any cellar door, hatchway, pit, excavation as to constitute a hazard to any passerby or person.

For questions regarding firearms, see Chapter 15 of the EMC.

All bicycle riders shall obey traffic signs and laws. Bicycle riding is prohibited on playgrounds, tennis courts and game courts, or in pavilions.