Common Land Use Violations

The following are examples of common Land Use Code violations the Community Planning & Permitting Department receives complaints about. Please reference the Boulder County Land Use Code for the full text regarding these violations.

Accessory Dwellings

Accessory dwellings are only allowed in limited circumstances. Please reference Article 4-516 (D) of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Building without a Permit

With a few exceptions, building permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. For more information, please reference the Construction Without a Permit publication.

Grading

Grading involving more than 50 cubic yards of dirt requires a Grading Permit and Site Plan Review Waiver approval. Movement of more than 500 cubic yards requires Limited Impact Special Use (LU) Review. Grading associated with agriculture, permitted mining activities, and permitted foundational construction are exempt from these provisions.

Home Occupations

Home occupations must meet the requirements of Article 4-516 (Q) of the Boulder County Land Use Code of the Boulder County Land Use Code. View the Home Occupations Publication.

Illegal Signs

Signs are required to be in compliance with Article 13 of the Boulder Land Use Code. Signs in rights-of-way are the responsibility of the applicable owner.

Inoperable/Unlicensed Vehicles

Vehicles or trailers must be licensed, operable, and may not be used for storage. Agricultural equipment is exempt from this provision. Please reference Article 14 of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Outdoor Storage

Items stored outdoors must be adequately screened from the view of adjacent properties and roadways. Please reference Article 4-516 (F) of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Rights-of-Way

View information on public rights-of-way in unincorporated Boulder County.

Rubbish

This includes trash, junk, and garbage which causes or is likely to cause a public hazard or nuisance. Rubbish must be removed. Please reference Article 14 of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Tall Weeds/Brush

Brush, shrubs, grasses, and weeds on properties smaller than 2.5 acres must be kept less than 9 inches in height. Please reference Article 14 of the Boulder County Land Use Code.

Land Use Code Violation Contact Information

Boulder County Code Enforcement
PO Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306

Phone: 303-441-3930

Form: Report a Land Use Code Violation Form