What to be aware of so you don't get fined
'Sofa Ordinance':
In the Uni-Hill area, there's an ordinance (Boulder Revised Code § 5-4) that prohibits indoor furniture like chairs, couches, or mattresses being outside. That means no putting them on porches, in front or side yards, or in backyards that don't face an alley.
Trash Ordinance:
You can receive a ticket for loose trash in your yard or alley, leaving a trash bag next to the trash can or dumpster, or dumping your trash in another person's dumpster.
Make sure to keep your yard/alley/area trash free, even if you weren't the one who put it there. Tickets for trash can happen very quickly so pick it up as soon as possible so you don't get a fine
Over Occupancy:
In many of the Boulder neighborhoods, only three people who aren't related can live together in one house/lease. If you break this rule, you might get fined up to $2,000 each day the extra person(s) is living there. It's pretty easy to check if you have too many people living in your place. Here's how:
Call the City of Boulder at 303-441-3152 to ask how many people are allowed to live in your place according to the law.
Sidewalk Snow Removal:
In Colorado, we often get heavy snow and snow storms, so it's important to shovel your sidewalks (and it's actually a law here)!
You need to clear your sidewalks within 24 hours after it snows. Talk to your landlord about who should shovel around your place.
Weeds and Grass:
Residences need to trim weeds and grass so they're under 12 inches tall. The city will issue citations/tickets/warnings, so keep your grass cut and weeds pulled. Talk to your landlord about who's in charge of yard care and how often it should be done.
Fireworks:
It's against the law to have or use fireworks in Boulder. “Fireworks" basically entails means anything designed to make a visual display or sound by burning, exploding, or popping. This includes sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, roman candles, and smoke bombs.
Even if your roommates or guests use them, you can get in trouble. You might face fines up to $2,650, court fees, or even arson charges. You could also end up in jail and have to pay for any damage or injuries. Additionally, if you're a student at CU Boulder, you'll be reported to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. You can turn in unused fireworks to the Boulder Public Safety Building at 1805 33rd St. without getting in trouble.
Properly Disposing of Items Upon Move-Out:
If you don't dispose of personal items correctly when moving out, you might face expensive fines for trash. You can avoid this by donating or recycling your used furniture and belongings. You can also try to sell any used furniture or items by using websites/apps like facebook marketplace!
Open Alcohol Containers:
It's important not to walk (or especially drive around) with open alcohol, as you could get into trouble. To avoid getting citations at parties or gatherings, make sure people don't leave your party with open beer or other alcohol.
If you have a keg, it's best to keep it inside the house to prevent problems. Otherwise, you might get a nuisance party ticket and face a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. Retailers in Boulder tag each keg so they can trace it back to the buyer, who is responsible for any violations.
Noise Complaints:
Boulder Revised Code has updated its rules about noise. Before, loud noises were only restricted from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Now, they've added rules for daytime too, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the day, "unreasonable noise" includes any loud sounds from speakers or instruments that can be heard from 200 feet away. If your noise disturbs people three or four houses away, you could get a ticket. Before, daytime noise tickets usually came from neighbor complaints. Now, the police can give tickets for any loud noise during the day, even without complaints. If you're having a party or gathering, you might get a ticket if it's too noisy. Everyone on the lease can get a ticket, even if they're not there when the noise happens.
To avoid getting a ticket, keep noise inside and check how loud it is with a phone app. Noise should stay below 50 decibels.
Loud Parties and Gatherings:
If you're having a party, be careful! The police might show up if your gathering gets too big, if there's too much noise, or if they have recieved a complaint. To avoid getting in trouble for noise, try to keep your party small and only invite people you know. It's usually strangers who cause problems. Remember to keep things quiet, especially late at night. If your party becomes a nuisance, you could get fined up to $1,000, spend up to 90 days in jail, and have to pay court costs. "Nuisance" covers things like loud noise, underage drinking, littering, and more. If you host a party where underage people drink, you're responsible too, and you could face serious consequences.
One way to prevent noise complaints and trouble with the police is to register your party beforehand. It's free through the University of Colorado. If there's a noise complaint, the police will call you and give you 20 minutes to calm things down. But if the noise continues and there's another complaint, the police will come. You can register your party on Friday or Saturday nights by providing your student ID, two phone numbers, and the address to Off-Campus Housing (UMC Room 313) by noon on Friday.
In addition to registering your party, let your neighbors know in advance if you're going to have a party. Remember, neighborhoods have a mix of students, families, and others who might need to sleep early or work from home. It's important to keep the area clean by picking up any trash around your property. If you have any questions about living off-campus, you can always reach out to Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations through CU.
Public Urination:
Getting caught peeing in public, no matter what time it is, can lead to getting a ticket! So, just avoid it altogether. Don't pee in someone's yard, on the sidewalk, or on the street, no matter how badly you have to go!
Make sure to do your research as ordinances can often change. Also, make sure to check out this website for more information on Boulder Ordinances.