Types of Violations

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Select a violation type from the menu:

Select A Section Alcohol/Open Container Compost Pits Graffiti Housing Littering Noise Nuisance Parties Nuisance Abatement Over-occupancy Sidewalk Snow Removal Smoking in Public Places Smoking Vehicles Sofa Ordinance Storm Water Quality Sofa Ordinance Trash Vehicular Noise Weeds Wood Burning

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Compost Pits
303-441-3239
The city's ordinance regulating trash and garbage storage permits the maintenance of compost pits as long as they do not create a nuisance. The person who is responsible for maintaining the compost pit must ensure that it does not putrefy or attract animals and insects. Questions or complaints should be directed to the Environmental and Zoning Enforcement Office at 303-441-3239.

Graffiti
303-413-7177

City regulations require owners of non-owner occupied residential properties and commercial properties to remove graffiti from their properties within three business days after notice by the city. If graffiti remains after a warning is given, the property owner will receive a summons. The fine for a first offense is $250. The maximum penalty is $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

Report graffiti online

Housing

The City of Boulder’s housing code ensures that no dwelling “presents an imminent hazard to public health or to the physical safety of the occupants therein.” Minimum standards for equipment and facilities address proper plumbing, heating, light/ventilation, safety from fire, and maintenance, among others. The city manager reserves the right to issue a notice of violation and inspect a premise to ensure compliance. (City code)

Noise
Information: 303-441-3239
Report noise: 303-441-3333

The city has three noise regulations. Disruption of Quiet Enjoyment of the Home prohibits loud behavior that disrupts a neighbor in his/her own home. Unreasonable Noise applies to amplified sounds after 11 p.m., loud car stereos on public property anytime, limited construction activity between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., use of lawn maintenance equipment between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., yelling and screaming after 11 p.m., car alarms lasting more than 5 minutes and other similar noise. Excessive Sound Levels may be applied to any loud noise or sounds that exceed 55 decibels between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., lowering to a maximum of 50 decibels after 11 p.m. (City Code)

Nuisance/Parties
Information: 303-441-3239
Report noise: 303-441-3333

Be sure that your party does not disturb someone else’s home life. The city has an ordinance that makes having and attending a party that is a nuisance to the neighborhood illegal. A nuisance includes noise, alcohol violations, urinating in public, littering, trespassing and other violations. Penalties can include up to a $1,000 fine.

Check out more information on Myths and Realities of a Great Party before planning (or attending) your next party.

Nuisance Abatement

This ordinance was initiated to prevent chronic property violations, (such as trash), that occur when two or more separate violations in twelve months or three or more separate violations within twenty-four months have occured and there is a civilian witness (not a law enforcement officer) who is willing to participate in the process. ( Fact Sheet 18.78 Kb)

Special Events - Noise Control Officers

Special events held within Boulder may require the hiring of a Noise Control Officer at the expense of the event. Requirements for hiring an officer vary depending on the location and nature of the event. More information and necessary forms regarding the requirements and procedure for Noise Control Officers are available.

Stormwater Quality

By city code, no user or other person shall discharge any sewage, other polluted waters, or other deleterious substance from any premises within the city into or upon any public highway, street, sidewalk, alley, land, public place, stream, ditch, or other watercourse.  (City Code)

Over-Occupancy

The city’s occupancy regulations permit no more than three unrelated persons to inhabit most residences. In condominiums and apartments, no more than four unrelated persons are permitted in each unit. Permitted occupancy of a property is ultimately determined by zoning and can be verified with the city. Maximum penalty for over-occupancy is $2,000 per day + 90 days in jail. (City code)

If you have a question about Zoning and Occupancy call the Planning Department at 303-441-1880.  If you would like to file a complaint about zoning or over-occupancy, call the office of Zoning & Environmental Enforcement at 303-441-3239.

Sidewalk Snow Removal
303-441-3239

City ordinance requires property owners/occupants/tenants adjacent to a sidewalk to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice by noon the day following a snowstorm. This includes any sidewalk that abuts the property and the portion of the sidewalk that projects across an alley. Visit Winter Tips for more information on snow removal. (City code)

Smoking in Public Places
303-441-3239

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings open to the public including places of work, restaurants and bars. Restaurants and bars may provide a separate smoking area with certain restrictions. (City code)

Smoking Vehicles
303-693-3211

The City of Boulder's visible emissions ordinance prohibits gasoline-powered vehicles from emitting any visible pollutants. Diesel vehicles may emit visible smoke not to exceed 30 percent opacity for 10 consecutive seconds. (City code)

To file a complaint, please contact the State Health Department Smoking Vehicle Hotline at 303-692-3211.

Sofa Ordinance
303-441-3239

Upholstered furniture is not allowed for outdoor use in outside areas or on any porch in the University Hill neighborhood. The University Hill neighborhood is bordered by Baseline Road, Arapahoe Avenue, Broadway and the properties located west of Ninth Street.  More information.

Trash

You can be held responsible for improper storage of trash, recyclables (considered trash when improperly stored) and the accumulation of newspapers or other publications on property you own or rent. Make sure to keep your property free and clear of trash at all times.

HELPFUL HINT: A calendar posted in a conspicuous place, such as on the refrigerator, that includes the correct dates and times for collections means you don't have to remember and you never forget!

If you receive newspaper or magazine front yard deliveries, wanted or not, don't leave them lying around! They are visible to the public and as such, they become trash after 24 hours.

HELPFUL HINT: If you are planning an extended absence from home, ask a friend, landlord, neighbor or property manager to tend to your deliveries on a daily basis.

Remain summons free!
Proper trash receptacles and recycle containers are to remain in approved, designated locations at all times with the exception of collection day. (City code)

Six-Day Review / Special Trash Service
303-441-3239
Boulder Revised Code 6-3 Trash

2009 Schedule

• Spring: Monday, May 4 through Monday, May 11
• Fall: Saturday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 29

Property owners and managers are required to contract with trash haulers for daily pickup service during the listed spring and fall dates above. The program covers University Hill from Arapahoe Avenue to Baseline Road and Broadway to 9th Street, and Goss/Grove from Canyon Boulevard to Arapahoe Avenue and Folsom Street to 15th Street.

Monday - Friday trash containers that are full will be dumped.
On Saturday, containers that are 50 percent full or more will be dumped.
If there is trash on the ground near the receptacle it will be picked up by the trash hauler. This will occur even if the container has already been emptied the same morning.
This program can save the expense of special pickups and potential fines.
With special trash service, landlords will have protection from trash violations for trash accumulation.

Vehicular Noise

All vehicles must be equipped with a muffler in constant operation to prevent any unusual or excessive noise. Vehicle noise may not exceed 80 decibels as measured from at least 25 feet away from the vehicle. (City code)

Weeds
303-441-3239

Weeds and grasses must be cut and maintained at less than 12 inches high. (City code)

Wood Burning

The City of Boulder's Wood Burning ordinance prohibits the use of fireplaces and wood stoves during designated "no-burn" days. The City Manager's Office works in conjunction with the Denver Metropolitan Area to declare "no-burn" days. Exemptions to the wood burning ordinance are available for persons demonstrating an economic need and reliance on wood burning as a primary source of heat.

For further information, call Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) 303-678-6097.

Additionally, documented wood stoves that are EPA Phase II/Colorado Phase III are exempt from the ordinance. The burning of coal and non-wood products is strictly prohibited. (City code)

Wood Burning Exemption Application

For current information on wood burning regulations, call 303-758-4848.

Last Updated on Monday, 24 August 2009 13:06