What is code enforcement?

Code Enforcement is the commitment to provide safe, healthy and attractive living conditions for all of the residents of Littleton by ensuring the community's maintenance and integrity through the enforcement of City Codes.

The City of Littleton has established a code enforcement hotline to allow citizens to leave messages about code enforcement and community appearance issues outside of normal business hours. The system is structured so that the call is directed to the voice mail of the staff person responsible for that type of concern for follow-up on the next business day. Callers will be prompted to select a topic such as weeds, rubbish, derelict vehicles, potholes, trees and limbs, snow and ice removal on sidewalks, noise violations, housing, road conditions, streetlights, or other concerns. Noise ordinance violations should be reported to the police non-emergency number at 303-794-1551. The hotline number is 303-734-8400.

What do the codes regulate?
Many subjects are regulated. Some of the most prevalent subjects are weeds, rubbish, derelict vehicles, oversized vehicles, major car repair, parking on front setbacks, parking on surfaced areas, trailers, garage sales, housing, home occupations and home-based businesses, signs, banners, and snow removal.

Is there a penalty for failure to comply to a code?
Typically, a Code Officer will issue a summons and complaint to appear in Littleton Municipal Court for noncompliance. If a summons is issued, the Littleton Municipal Court decides the guilt or innocence and sets any penalties. Penalties may reach as high as $999 and/or 90 days in jail for a code violation.

What other kinds of codes does the city of Littleton follow:
Other codes include: The International Fire Code, Littleton Zoning Code, International Building, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, National Electric Code, Model Traffic Code and Littleton Municipal Codes. The Littleton Police Department enforces many of the city's traffic and municipal codes.

What about graffiti?
Call the Littleton Police Department at 303-794-1551 to report graffiti. Graffiti must be removed or painted over within 24 hours. Graffiti includes any unwanted paintings, markings, symbols, figures, etc. placed on your property by another party. If you see graffiti--vandalism--in progress, call 911 immediately with the location and description of the participant. Prompt removal of graffiti helps to discourage further incidents of graffiti in a neighborhood.

Can I run a business out of my house?
The city of Littleton does regulate home occupations; however home-based businesses are prohibited. Certain home occupations are allowed but they are restricted to the interior of the principal structure, with no outside evidence that a business exists. There are also restrictions on signage and types of businesses. For information and application forms, contact the Littleton Zoning Office at 303-795-3748.

What are the rules regarding outdoor storage?
Items intended for outdoor use on a residential property such as a picnic table, a barbecue grill, or metal and plastic patio furniture are permitted. Children's toys and bicycles are also allowed to be kept outdoors.

Items intended for indoor use such as household appliances and upholstered furniture designed as bedroom, living room, or office furniture or as dining tables and chairs are not permitted to be stored outside an enclosed structure on residential property.

Tools, equipment, and other supplies utilized in automobile repair or construction are not permitted to be stored outside an enclosed structure on residential property. However, homeowners who have a valid and recent building permit are allowed to neatly store small quantities of required supplies during construction or remodeling.

Who should I contact to get information about codes?
Call the city of Littleton's Community Development Department at 303-795-3748 or the Code Enforcement Division at 303-795-3751.