Code Enforcement

Occupancy
It is unlawful for any person to occupy or lease for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit which does not contain at least 150 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof. The floor space is calculated on the basis of total enclosed space within the dwelling. No attached garage, basement or cellar space shall be used for floor space under this section unless such space was lawfully improved and finished for occupancy in compliance with all applicable requirements of the city code as it existed at the time of the improvement. Accessory buildings, including but not limited to detached garages and storage sheds, shall not be used for occupancy. Space and occupancy standards are defined in the Building and Zoning Code Sec. 22-637.

Substandard living
The Code Enforcement Division is committed to provide a high quality of life and ensure the health and safety of its residents. The city established a Multi-Family Systematic Housing Program and responds to complaints to safeguard the life, limb and health and safety for all tenants. If a tenant/renter is experiencing housing issues, no heat, no water, plumbing issues, etc., they should contact Access Aurora at 303.739.7000 to submit a customer request, at which time a code officer will inspect for any violations and address the concerns with the property owner. See the Building and Zoning Code Sec. 22-636 for details on substandard buildings or premises.

Property Maintenance

Trash/Litter Removal
Each business/residence is responsible for removing trash, litter and garbage from its property. Trash must be removed from the property on a weekly basis, or more often if necessary. Trash dumpsters and containers must not be overflowing, and the surrounding area must be kept free of litter and trash. All trash containers shall be kept behind the front line of the principal building and within 12 inches of the principal building.

Outdoor Storage
Placing materials such as appliances, auto parts, building material or other items outdoors on any property for storage purposes in commercial or business zones is prohibited unless specified on a site plan.

Fences and walls
Fences and walls must be kept in good condition at all times. This includes the replacement of broken or missing portions of the fence or wall. Fences must be installed and maintained according to approved plans.

Graffiti
Graffiti located on windows, dumpsters, fences or walls should be removed as soon as possible (within 24 hours) to reduce blight and probability of reoccurrence.

Landscape Maintenance
In the event that landscaping, including grasses, bushes and trees, becomes diseased or dead, the owner or occupant must remove, revive, restore or replace the landscaping in accordance with city landscaping standards. Lots with an approved site plan must maintain the landscaping according to the plan. Trees must be trimmed to a clear height of 13 feet 6 inches above the surface of any public street, alley or highway, and 8 feet above any sidewalk. On corner lots, no vegetative material or other objects more than 26 inches in height may be installed or maintained in the visibility triangle.

Exterior Maintenance
Every wall, window, roof, door and projection must be weather and water tight and must be kept free of holes, loose or rotting boards or timbers. Faded walls and doors must be painted and stained.

Driveways and Parking Lots
All parking surfaces must be maintained free of weeds, potholes, dirt, trash and debris. Businesses must paint and mark parking spaces and maintain the markings on the pavement

For more information on Aurora’s codes and rules, visit

auroragov.org/business_services/development_center/code___rules.

Animal issues

Stay Within the Limits
Aurora has a limit per residence of:

• 3 adult dogs
• 5 adult cats
• 3 ferrets and/or 2 rabbits
• 6 chickens
• 2 ducks but no more than 2 ducks with no more than 4 chickens

Purchase a City Pet License
All dogs and cats over 6 months of age must have a city license. To acquire a license, you must provide proof of your animal’s current rabies vaccination. The license tag must be worn by the pet at all times.

Licenses may be purchased at the Aurora Animal Shelter. Call 303.326.8280 for license fees or additional information.

Avoid Prohibited Breeds
American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are restricted breeds and may not be kept within Aurora city limits. If you are unsure whether your animal qualifies as a restricted breed, DNA testing can be used to identify your animal’s breed lineage.

Control Excessive Barking
Barking problems are handled in three steps:

1. Calmly discuss the barking with the dog owner.
2. Call 303.326.8288 with an address and description of the barking dog. A written warning will be mailed.
3. A summons may be issued if two residents from separate households come to the shelter and sign formal complaints. Both parties must have been disturbed by the same barking episode and be willing to testify in municipal court.

If your pet barks excessively, there are resources that may be able to help. Go to AuroraAnimalShelter.org for more information.

Clean Up After Your Pets
On any property, it is unlawful for excrement to accumulate to the degree that it becomes offensive or injurious to health. Owners must remove feces in public spaces immediately after it is deposited. Animal excrement may not be placed in storm sewers or street gutters.

Public Nuisance

Definition
As a property owner you are required by law to take steps to eliminate public nuisances at your property. Under the Aurora Code of Ordinances chapter 62-26, it is a crime to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or through criminal negligence permit or encourage any property occupant or guests to engage in any of the proscribed acts outlined in chapter. These proscribed acts include:

• Prostitution
• Gambling
• Cultivation or sale of drugs
• Felony theft
• Violations of Colorado liquor code
• Possession, use or removal of explosive or incendiary devices
• Offensive smell
• Excessive noise
• Animal filth
• Cross connection with city water supply leading to contamination
• Dilapidated or dangerous building
• Maintain, use or rent any property where people are allowed to gather in such a manner as to disturb the peace of other persons lawfully on the property itself or lawfully in the vicinity.

Failure to take action to eliminate a public nuisance may lead to a summons. It may also result in a city abatement including assessed costs of abatement.

Drug manufacturing/grow operations

How to identify a marijuana grow operation
It is important to note that a positive response to some of these questions does not mean it is a grow op house and that the residents are involved in criminal activity. Please use this questionnaire as a basic guideline only.

• Occupants don’t appear to have regular job hours and drive expensive automobiles.
• Dark window coverings on many windows.
• Illuminated rooms or outbuildings nearly 24 hours a day.
• Heavy condensation on windows, lack of frost or snow on roofs of houses when others have frost and snow. Blowing curtains from fans.
• Abnormal number of roof vents or unusual amount of steam in cold weather.
• Extra security such as large fences or guard dogs.
• Entry is always through the automatic garage doors and residents are always in their cars
• Strange smell or odor coming from the home.
• Electrical humming sounds, numerous fans and running water.
• Unusual wiring to the exterior of the home and or the electrical meter spins at a faster than normal rate.
• Commonly experienced localized power surges or browning. Lights often dim or appliances slow down with lack of power.
• Avoid making any contact with neighbors.
• Toys are often outside the home but no children are ever seen at the home.
• Large quantities of growing equipment & supplies are seen taken into the home/outbuildings but there are no flowers or gardens at the home. Often purchased in winter months.
• Numerous pots, soil, garden hoses and fertilizers around the property.
• Appears to be vacant, yard poorly kept and newspapers build up at the front door.
• Hoses run from doors and windows to the outside of the home.
• Visitors often park down the street and walk to the home.
• In condominiums owners move in at night, disappear for long periods of time or you never see them move in.
• Garbage days there is no garbage ever or there is no noticeable activity in the home but a lot of garbage.
• Grow ops can either be lived in or maintained by visiting gardeners.
• Growing marijuana outdoors is not legal!

Should you have concerns or questions, please contact the Aurora Police Department, Narcotics Section at 303.739.1650.

Legality of marijuana grows
Marijuana can only be grown in a single family or multi-family dwelling unit. It is illegal to grow marijuana outside. Residents who lease their residence should check with their landlord or property management company to determine whether or not growing marijuana is permitted inside of their property.

Per Colorado’s Amendment 20, a medical patient can possess six plants and/or 2 ounces of marijuana. Per Colorado’s Amendment 64, a person 21 or older can possess six plants and/or 1 ounce of marijuana. Therefore, a medical patient age 21 or older can possess 12 plants and 3 ounces. Only half of the plants at a grow facility can be flowering (mature). Marijuana grows must not be perceptible from the exterior of the primary residence, including but not limited to:

1. Common visual observation, which prohibits signage.
2. Unusual odors or smells.
3. Light pollution, glare that disturbs the repose of another.
4. Undue vehicular or foot traffic, including excess parking.
5. Bothersome noise from fans.

Cultivation, production or possession of marijuana plants shall be limited to the following space limitations:

1. Single family dwelling: A secure, defined, contiguous 150 square foot area.
2. Multi-family dwelling: A secure, defined, contiguous 100 square foot area.

Garages (attached or detached) are not considered to be part of a primary residence. All grows must be able to be secured (locked) to prohibit the entry of children/visitors.