Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.501 ENFORCEMENT
9.6.501: ENFORCEMENT:
The Code Enforcement Administrator and the Zoning Administrator and their designees are authorized to perform and enforce all provisions of this part. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
JUNK, INOPERABLE, UNLICENSED AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Colorado Springs City Code ch. 9, art. 6, pt. 5
in effectColorado Springs City Code § 9.6.502 DEFINITIONS
9.6.502: DEFINITIONS:
INOPERABLE VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle or other self-propelled vehicle which is incapable of moving under its own power and which the owner or possessor cannot establish as being capable of travel under its own power, in its existing condition, in a safe and lawful manner upon public streets and highways.
JUNK: Any manufactured goods, appliance, fixture, furniture, machinery, vehicle, personal property or any other thing or part, whether of value or valueless, or demolished, discarded, dismantled, partially dismantled, dilapidated, or so worn, deteriorated or in a condition that it would not be normally usable in its current state for its original manufactured use. This shall include, by way of illustration only and without limitation, wood, used lumber, paper, glass, bottles, rags, rubber, scrap metal, tin cans, scrap material, waste, concrete, rubble, boxes, crates, building materials, or machinery or automobile parts.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: A vehicle used for transient living quarters which can be towed, hauled or driven and is designed for recreational, camping or travel use and including, but not limited to, travel trailers, camper trailers, motor homes, pickup campers, watercraft or snowmobiles.
UNLICENSED VEHICLE: A vehicle which has a license plate that has been expired for over thirty (30) days, or no license plate is visible.
VEHICLE: Any device which is capable of self-propulsion or being otherwise moved from place to place upon wheels or endless tracks, excepting a device moved exclusively upon stationary rails, a device designed to move primarily through the air or a device designed to move primarily through human muscular power. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-123)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.503 IMPROPER ACCUMULATION OR STORAGE OF JUNK PROHIBITED
9.6.503: IMPROPER ACCUMULATION OR STORAGE OF JUNK PROHIBITED:
It is unlawful to accumulate or store upon any premises, including in a public right of way, within the City any junk. This section shall not apply to the following:
A. Junk which is located entirely within an enclosed building, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
B. Junk which is kept in the M-1 or M-2 zone in conformance with the applicable restrictions of those zones. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.504 PARKING AND STORAGE STANDARDS FOR UNLICENSED, INOPERABLE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
9.6.504: PARKING AND STORAGE STANDARDS FOR UNLICENSED, INOPERABLE AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES:
A. Exceptions: It is unlawful to park or store any unlicensed or inoperable vehicle outside of an enclosed building on private property or within the public right of way. This section shall not apply to the following:
1. Vehicles defined by Colorado Revised Statutes section 42-12-101, as "collectors' items" or "parts cars" provided that no more than one vehicle so defined shall be kept outside of a building on any one property. Any inoperable collector's item or parts car shall be stored in a manner so that it is screened from the view of any adjacent street, alley or neighboring property.
2. Unlicensed or inoperable vehicles which are stored in a properly zoned junkyard.
3. Unlicensed or inoperable vehicles stored in conjunction with a properly zoned vehicle repair business, provided all vehicles are covered by a dated work estimate and order signed by the vehicle owner authorizing repairs.
B. Unlawful: It shall be unlawful to park or store the following vehicles outside in a residential zone district:
1. Any commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of ten thousand one (10,001) pounds or greater on private property. This provision does not apply to recreational vehicles.
2. Any construction equipment, flatbed, or trailer normally used to transport such equipment on private property.
C. Parking: Outside vehicle parking shall be allowed on areas of private property where vehicle storage is allowed as outlined in the public right of way except in residential zones in accord with the applicable traffic laws.
D. Storage Prohibited: Except as provided in subsection E of this section, outside vehicle storage is prohibited on residentially zoned property.
E. Storage Standards: Except for commercial vehicles, outside vehicle storage is allowed in the following locations:
1. Vehicles, other than recreational vehicles, may be stored within the front yard upon a driveway surface.
2. Vehicles may be stored in the side or rear yard, however, if more than one vehicle is stored within the side or rear yard, all vehicles, with the exception of one, shall be totally enclosed by an opaque screen of a minimum height of six feet (6'). The screen may consist of any combination of opaque fencing, vegetation, natural features or structures.
3. Recreational vehicles and trailers may only be stored upon a driveway surface within rear or side yard, unless the conditions in subsection E4 of this section, are met.
4. Recreational vehicles may only be stored on a driveway surface in the front yard of the property if:
a. The side or rear yard is insufficient in width and/or size to accommodate the vehicle or accommodate the access to the side or rear yard;
b. The steepness of the terrain prevents access to the side or rear yard or prevents storage within the side or rear yard; or
c. Existing landscaping prevents access to the side or rear yard or prevents storage within the side or rear yard.
5. A recreational vehicle stored on a driveway surface in the front yard must be stored at least ten feet (10') from the edge of the sidewalk or pedestrianway which is nearest to the front lot line of the property. If there is no sidewalk or pedestrianway, the recreational vehicle must be at least ten feet (10') from the curb nearest to the front lot line of the property. The ten foot (10') distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the recreational vehicle to the edge of the sidewalk, pedestrianway, curb or street.
F. Right Of Way Storage Prohibited: Recreational vehicle storage within the public rights of way is prohibited.
G. Recreational Vehicle Standards In Residential Zones:
1. Except for mobile home parks, no recreational vehicles shall be used in such a manner as to constitute a permanent dwelling unit;
2. A recreational vehicle stored or parked outside shall be in a condition that provides for the safe and effective performance of its intended function; and
3. No recreational vehicle shall be permanently connected to wastewater, water lines or a source of electricity. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 97-87; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-123)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.505 RIGHT OF ENTRY
9.6.505: RIGHT OF ENTRY:
A. Where the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator have reasonable cause to believe that there may exist on any premises located within the City a condition which is a violation of the provisions of this part, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may enter upon the premises at any reasonable hour for the purpose of inspecting, abating, removing, or preventing the condition.
B. In the event that the owner or occupant of any premises located within the City refuses to permit entry by the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator when entry is sought, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may make application to any Judge of the Municipal Court of the City for the issuance of a warrant in accord with chapter 11 of this Code. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-123; Ord. 04-178)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.506 ABATEMENT; COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS
9.6.506: ABATEMENT; COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS:
Whenever the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator have reasonable cause to believe that there exists on any premises located within the City a condition which violates any provision of this part and is therefore considered to be a public nuisance, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may commence proceedings to abate the condition in the manner provided in this part. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.507 AGREEMENT TO ABATE
9.6.507: AGREEMENT TO ABATE:
The Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator shall have authority to enter into agreements with violators for the abatement of Code violations. The procedures shall be established in accord with section 9.6.514 of this part. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.508 NOTICE AND ORDER
9.6.508: NOTICE AND ORDER:
Whenever abatement proceedings are commenced by the filing of a notice and order by the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator the notice and order shall:
A. Be in writing.
B. Be personally served whenever feasible on the owner, or agent of the owner, or other persons with an interest in the property, or occupant of the premises. When personal service is not feasible, the notice and order may be posted conspicuously at the premises or mailed to the last known address of the owner, certified mail, return receipt requested.
C. Describe with particularity the asserted violation existing on the premises or property which gives rise to the issuance of the notice and order.
D. Specify the period within which the violation must be abated or otherwise corrected.
E. State that an appeal is available to the Municipal Court Referee provided that a written application is made within ten (10) days of service, posting or receipt of the notice and order. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-17; Ord. 04-280)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.509 APPEAL OF NOTICE AND ORDER
9.6.509: APPEAL OF NOTICE AND ORDER:
All appeals of notice and orders under this part shall be filed and heard by the Municipal Court Referee in accord with the City's Zoning Code. (Ord. 96-111; Ord. 97-131; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-17; Ord. 04-280)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.510 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH NOTICE AND ORDER OR AGREEMENT TO ABATE; REPEAT OFFENDERS
9.6.510: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH NOTICE AND ORDER OR AGREEMENT TO ABATE; REPEAT OFFENDERS:
A. Abatement Action: In the event that any notice and order issued or agreement to abate entered into pursuant to this part is not complied with according to its terms, the Code Enforcement Administrator may take steps or order action as the Code Enforcement Administrator deems necessary and appropriate to abate the condition giving rise to the issuance of the notice and order or agreement to abate. Abatement action includes towing and impoundment of vehicles and removal and disposal of junk. The procedure outlined in section 9.6.511 of this part for the collection of the costs and expenses of abatement shall apply independently and in addition to the remedies provided for a violation of any provisions of this part.
B. Reinspection:
1. For purposes of this part, "repeat offender" is defined as the owner of property which has been previously cited for one or more violations of this part at least two (2) or more times during any successive six (6) month period. For purposes of this part, "reinspection" is defined as any and all inspections subsequent to an inspection after issuance of the first notice and order to the owner for a violation on the subject property.
2. The Code Enforcement Administrator shall be authorized to assess an inspection fee of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each reinspection necessitated by the repeat offender's continued violation and failure to abate following issuance of a notice and order to abate.
3. In the event one or more reinspection fees are assessed and the property owner or owner's agent fails to pay the fee(s) within twenty (20) days, the Code Enforcement Administrator is authorized to file a lien against the property for fee(s) in accord with section 9.6.511 of this part. The Code Enforcement Administrator is further authorized to include in one lien assessment action any and all costs incurred by the City associated with the removal, correction or other abatement necessitated by the property owner's continued violation and failure to abate following issuance of a notice and order to abate. (Ord. 96-111; Ord. 98-85; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.511 LIEN ASSESSMENT
9.6.511: LIEN ASSESSMENT:
A. Authority To Commence Lien Assessment Proceedings; Administrative Surcharge: When the owner or occupant of property fails to comply with an order to abate and the Code Enforcement Administrator has reinspected and removed, corrected or otherwise abated the condition giving rise to the issuance of the notice and order through a private contract, the Code Enforcement Administrator is authorized to commence lien assessment proceedings against the property in accord with the provisions of this part. In addition, the Code Enforcement Administrator is further authorized to assess an administrative surcharge of twenty five percent (25%) of the cost of private abatement.
B. Notice: After abatement through a private contract, the Code Enforcement Administrator shall ascertain the name and address of the property owner from the El Paso County Assessor's records and shall send the property owner a notice of lien assessment which shall contain the following information:
1. The address of the property to be assessed and the name and address of the property owner;
2. The dates of the notice and order, any reinspections and the order to abate;
3. The name of the private contractor which abated the condition giving rise to the issuance of the notice and order;
4. The total amount of the assessment, including reinspection fees, the cost of private abatement and the amount of the administrative surcharge;
5. A due date for payment of the assessment which is not less than twenty (20) days after the date of the notice of lien assessment;
6. A statement that failure to pay the assessment within the time period set forth in the notice of lien assessment will result in the imposition of a lien against the property;
7. A statement explaining the appeal procedure for the notice of lien assessment.
C. Service Of The Notice Of Assessment:
1. The notice of assessment shall be mailed to the property owner via certified first class U.S. mail, return receipt requested. A return receipt signed by the property owner or an agent of the property owner shall be prima facie evidence of service on the date indicated by the owner, agent or U.S. Postal Service.
2. In the event the property owner or an agent of the property owner fails to receive service of the notice of lien assessment via certified first class U.S. mail, return receipt requested, the Code Enforcement Office is authorized to post the notice in a conspicuous place on the property to be assessed.
D. Appeal And Hearing:
1. A property owner must appeal a notice of lien assessment in writing within ten (10) days of its mailed receipt by the property owner or the owner's agent, or within ten (10) days of posting on the property to be assessed.
2. The notice of appeal must state the name and address of the property owner, the address of the property assessed, and the grounds for appeal.
3. The appeal of a notice of lien assessment shall be heard by the Municipal Court Referee in accord with the procedures outlined in chapter 6, article 5 of this code.
4. The Municipal Court Referee may, after hearing the property owner's objections, make any modification or change to the assessment as may seem equitable and just, or may confirm the assessment. The Municipal Court Referee shall not modify or change the amount of the reinspection fee or the administrative surcharge.
E. Levy Of Assessment: If not appealed, the total assessment shall then be levied, assessed and charged against the property upon which abatement action was taken not less than ten (10) days after the property owner's or agent's mailed receipt of the notice of lien assessment or posting on the property to be assessed. If appealed, the Municipal Court Referee's determination of the total assessment shall then be levied, assessed and charged against the property upon which abatement action was taken not less than ten (10) days after the date of the Municipal Court Referee's determination. In either event, the assessment shall become a perpetual lien against the property, superior and prior to all other liens and encumbrances excepting liens for general and special taxes. The Code Enforcement Administrator shall notify the Chief Financial Officer who shall certify any lien assessment to the El Paso County Treasurer who shall collect the lien assessment in the same manner as ad valorem taxes are collected. (Ord. 98-85; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 03-17; Ord. 04-280; Ord. 11-19)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.512 EMERGENCY ABATEMENT ORDERS
9.6.512: EMERGENCY ABATEMENT ORDERS:
A. Whenever the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator determines that an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the premises or of the public, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may, without prior notice or hearing, issue an order stating that emergency abatement action be taken as deemed necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, the order shall be effective immediately.
B. It is unlawful for any person to whom an emergency order is issued to fail to comply immediately. In the event that the person to whom the emergency order was issued fails or refuses to immediately comply therewith, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may direct, without prior notice to the owner, that the dangerous condition be removed, corrected or otherwise abated so that it is no longer an imminent hazard to the public health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the premises or of the public. Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of section 9.6.511 of this part and section 6.5.107 of this Code shall apply to the removal, correction or other abatement. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 96-111; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.513 ADDITIONAL REMEDIES
9.6.513: ADDITIONAL REMEDIES:
A. The remedies provided in this part shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedies which may be available to the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator from seeking other remedies in addition to, or in lieu of, the remedies granted in this part.
B. After consideration of the facts and circumstances, the Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator may authorize that no action be taken on a complaint of an alleged violation.
C. The Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to effectuate the abatement of Code enforcement violations through informal meetings or conversations. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
Colorado Springs City Code § 9.6.514 PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
9.6.514: PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES:
The Code Enforcement Administrator or the Zoning Administrator are hereby empowered to promulgate procedures and guidelines to accomplish the purpose of this part. (Ord. 90-119; Ord. 01-42)
Source: City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-16632Fetched: 11/1/2026