Code Enforcement

Maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal of Greenwood Village’s commercial areas is a proactive endeavor that significantly influences the success and vibrancy of local businesses. Zoning enforcement, guided by the Greenwood Village Municipal Code, includes signage, landscaping, and noise regulation to foster attractive neighborhoods and thriving businesses.

How Does Commercial Property Enforcement Work?

In Greenwood Village, Code Enforcement Officers from the Community Development and Police Departments monitor commercial districts to ensure adherence to the zoning code. In the event of a violation, the business owner or manager may receive a notice of violation detailing the issue and the timeframe for resolution without an initial fine. The City emphasizes voluntary compliance, focusing on education rather than immediate penalization. However, persistent non-compliance can result in a formal citation and a mandatory Greenwood Village Municipal Court summons.

Greenwood Village Property Maintenance Codes

Below are some of the common pertinent municipal code sections relating to commercial property maintenance. Find detailed information in the Greenwood Village Municipal Code.

• Environmental Pollution Chapter 7, Articles 6 and 7
• General Nuisances Chapter 7
• Landscaping Section 16-21-2
• Litter and Refuse Section 7-2-210
• Noise Section 7-5-30
• Outdoor Storage and Display Section 16-24-40
• Signage (including Window Signs and Banners) Chapter 16
• Snow Removal Chapter 11, Article 1

What Penalties Can Be Imposed by the Municipal Court?

When cases are escalated to the Court, individuals may face penalties of up to $499 each day the violation persists. The Municipal Court Judge determines the exact penalty based on their discretion. In certain situations, it might be deemed necessary to mandate the abatement of a property, mainly if a risk to the surrounding environment, safety, or health exists. Following such an intervention, all expenses incurred by the City in correcting the violation, including administrative costs, would be levied as a municipal lien against the property, emphasizing the collective responsibility to adhere to community standards and ensure safety for all.

Code enforcement is necessary to foster a community where the usage and maintenance of residential properties are in harmony with our locality's shared values and standards.  Unlike commercial areas where Code Enforcement Officers (CEOs) actively patrol for violations, CEOs handle violations in residential areas on a complaint basis.  CEOs will proactively monitor for violations on properties where active construction is present or there have been repeat violations within an 18-month period.  Persistent non-compliance can result in a formal citation and a mandatory Greenwood Village Municipal Court summons.

Common Property Maintenance Violations

Below are some of the most common issues relating to residential property maintenance.  This is not a complete list.  Please refer to the Greenwood Village Municipal Code for further information.

• Wildlife & Domestic Animals
  Including wildlife issues, dogs running at large, animals disturbing the peace, and sick or injured animals.  Please contact the Greenwood Village Police Department (GVPD) at 303-773-2525 to report Animal Control concerns.
• Inoperable Vehicles
  These vehicles are not allowed on public property or private property unless they are fully enclosed within a structure on private property.  This also includes vehicles that do not display a valid license plate.
• Recreational Vehicle(RV)/Trailer Parking
  An RV or trailer used as a dwelling and not owned by the property owner may be parked on a single-family residential property with permission of the property owner or occupant or on the adjacent street for no more than 72 consecutive hours.
• Exterior Maintenance
  Exterior elements of a residence shall be maintained in good condition. Violations may include substantial peeling or faded paint, broken or missing shutters/fascia, damaged roof shingles, missing or broken windows, and broken fences.
• Litter & Refuse
  Residents must promptly remove any accumulated materials/litter/refuse on the property.  Trash & Recycling containers must be stored in the garage or other screened location. They may not be left at the curb for more than one day before scheduled trash pickup and must be removed no later than midnight following a scheduled pickup.
• Environmental Pollution
  Residents must protect against pollution from many sources, including smoke, stagnant ponds, liquid poured into streets (e.g., anti-freeze, cleaning solvents, oil), pollution of water supplies, or solid waste dumping.
• Noise
  Excessive noise complaints are investigated by the NSO and GVPD, depending on the nature of the complaint. Construction-related noise from tools and equipment is only allowed during Construction Hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays/Holidays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Outdoor Storage
  Items not related to a property's primary use cannot be stored outdoors, including items such as appliances, tires, and litter.
• Weeds and Grass Growth
  Property owners are responsible for keeping weeds and grass under eight (8) inches tall, except in rural areas where longer grass is in keeping with the neighborhood's character. Noxious weeds are poisonous plants that aggressively invade landscapes, carrying diseases and being detrimental to the local environment. 
• Dead or Overgrown Landscaping
  Trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that are dead, broken, or infested by insects must be removed from the property.  Overgrown landscaping must never obstruct streets or sidewalks. 
• Stagnant Ponds
  Any body of water that accumulates deposits of noxious, offensive, or foul water or other substances, or that breeds mosquitoes, is a nuisance and is not allowed.
• Rodents & Pests
  Property owners shall not allow mice, rats, squirrels, skunks, rabbits, prairie dogs, gophers, or groundhogs to infest their property or encroach upon or cause damage to other property.
• Snow Removal
  Owners, occupants, lessees, or any person in possession of a single-family residential property having a sidewalk abutting the front of their lot (or front/side of a corner lot) must remove all snow and ice within 48 hours of accumulation.  Do not put snow and ice removed from the sidewalk on the street.

What Penalties Can Be Imposed by the Municipal Court?

When cases are escalated to the Court, individuals may face penalties of up to $499 each day the violation persists. The Municipal Court Judge determines the exact penalty based on their discretion. In certain situations, it might be deemed necessary to mandate the abatement of a property, mainly if a risk to the surrounding environment, safety, or health exists. Following such an intervention, all expenses incurred by the City in correcting the violation, including administrative costs, would be levied as a municipal lien against the property, emphasizing the collective responsibility to adhere to community standards and ensure safety for all.

Noxious weeds are invasive plants that outcompete native vegetation, damage ecosystems, and can harm people or animals.  Greenwood Village enforces the removal of these weeds to prevent further spread. For more information on noxious weeds and their management, please consult:

• Greenwood Village Municipal Code – Section 7-4-10
• Colorado Department of Agriculture – Noxious Weed Species ID

Various plant identification apps are available online to help identify and learn more about weeds, such as AG Weed ID, PictureThis, PlantNet, and iNaturalist. These are not officially endorsed by Greenwood Village.

Top Five Noxious Weeds:

This is not a complete list.  Please refer to the Municipal Code link above to read the full list.

Canada Thistle

Photo by CSU Extension Office
Read more about the Canada Thistle on the Colorado State University Extension website ⭷

Diffuse Knapweed 

Photo by Steve Dewey, Utah State University; Bugwood.org
Examples of Diffuse Knapweed ⭷
Read more about the Diffuse Knapweed on the United States Department of Agriculture website ⭷

Leafy Spurge

Photo by Norman E. Rees, USDA Agricultural Research Service - Retired; Bugwood.org
Examples of Leafy Spurge ⭷
Read more about the Leafy Spurge on the United States Department of Agriculture website ⭷

Musk Thistle

Photo by Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org
Examples of Musk Thistle ⭷
Read more about the Musk Thistle on the United State Department of Agriculture website ⭷

Puncturevine

Photo courtesy of Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis; Bugwood.org
Examples of Puncturevine ⭷
Read more about the Puncturevine on the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources ⭷

Greenwood Village has an ordinance requiring trash cans and recycling bins to be kept in the garage or in a screened enclosure to enhance the aesthetics of our neighborhoods, promoting a clean, uniform, and visually appealing environment.  Municipal Code Section 7-2-210 regulates the placements and storage of these containers.

Time Frame

Waste containers may be placed at the curb one day before the scheduled pickup. This means trash and recycling containers cannot be placed at the curb more than two days per week. 

Screening

Trash and recycling containers must be stored in such a position on the property as to be reasonably screened from the view of those of the property. Examples of reasonable screening are:

• Behind a mature hedge or similar dense vegetation of sufficient height to thoroughly screen the trash and recycle cans from view of adjacent streets or properties. 
• Within a wholly enclosed structure such as a garage or
• Behind a fence/wall of sufficient height to screen the containers.

Large Item Pickup

Items too large to be picked up with regular trash service can be scheduled for collection with the city's Large Item Pickup program.

Zoning enforcement ensures that the use of land and buildings complies with the established zoning ordinances. These ordinances could relate to a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to:

• Aesthetic Appearance
• Building Height and Density
• Land Use
• Landscaping
• Lot Coverage
• Noise Control
• Parking and Traffic Control
• Signage

For questions regarding zoning regulations for a specific property, email Community Development or call 303-486-5783.