Code compliance

Know the zoning of your property. Houses located in the R-L zone are classified as single family dwelling units. No more than two unrelated adults can live in a house in the R-L zone. Houses or apartments in the R-M zone also do not allow more than two unrelated adults per dwelling unit (18.38.030, 060; and definition of family).

Zoning Map

Fences 6 foot and under do not need a permit. The following standards need to be followed: fences in the front yard setback (front 25' of your property) cannot be taller than 42", and cannot be located in the public right-of-way. Please consult our Guide to Residential Fencing for additional information.

Most signs, including temporary banners, require permits. Sign permits are available at 1100 10th St., Suite 202. Planners are available for assistance between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (970) 350-9780 to schedule an appointment.

Furniture designed for indoor use cannot be kept on porches, roofs, lawns or other areas exposed to weather conditions. (9.04.030)

It is the responsibility of each land owner to keep their property in a neat and orderly manner. Trash may be placed at the curb for one 24-hour period each week for removal but may otherwise not accumulate on a property. Trash includes such items as garbage, discarded items, couches and other furniture intended for indoor use, organic yard waste and inoperable vehicles.

Each residence in Greeley may have up to 2 garage sales in a calendar year for the purpose of disposing of common household items that tend to accumulate over time. Each event may last up to 3 consecutive days. These limits are in place to prevent undue traffic and impacts in residential areas while allowing for the occasional yard sale.

• All vehicles parked on the street or on the property must have current registration and be in working order. (9.36.030)
• Parking is not permitted on lawn or landscaped areas or unpaved surfaces (does not include approved gravel driveways or parking lots)(18.42.040) Recreational Vehicles (18.36.020(p)).
• Recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, motorhomes, and the like must be parked on a hard surface (asphalt, concrete, re-cycled asphalt that is compacted, gravel enclosed within a 6" wide solid collar to keep the gravel in place or concrete pavers that the wheels drive and park on).
• Recreational vehicles are permitted to park in front yard driveways if located at least 3 feet in back of the sidewalk, or front property line where no sidewalk exists, for loading, unloading, or emergency repairs for a maximum of 48 hours on the properties which the principal use is either single-family or two-family residential. The vehicle MUST be out of this area for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours before being parked in the driveway for another 48 hours.
• Additionally, the equipment MUST be behind the habitable portion of the house and be at least 3' from the structure. The equipment can be up-to the property line on the interior side setback, within the side on-street setback if located no closer than 10 feet to the property line and no closer than 5 feet of the rear property line.
• Recreational vehicles or equipment stored on a property where the principal use is either single-family or two-family residential may not be used for temporary or permanent living purposes on the site.
• Inoperable vehicles are cars, trucks, RVs, boats, campers, or similar motorized vehicle which is broken down in some way, not connected to a motorized vehicle or is not properly licensed. It is illegal to keep such vehicles on a public street or right-of-way or on a residential property unless it is completely enclosed within a garage.

The landscape needs to be maintained. This means regular watering, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, clearing of debris and weeds (18.44; 9.16.080). Refuse and trash must be placed in appropriate containers and removed on a weekly basis. (9.16.120) Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours (13.12.020). Animal feces must be cleaned up weekly (9.16.150)

Trees and shrubs must be trimmed so that they are contained behind the inside edge of sidewalks and curbs. All vegetation must be trimmed to a height at least 8' over the sidewalk or no lower than 13' over street levels. On corner lots “clear vision zones” (the triangle created by two intersecting streets) must also be kept clear of vegetation which may obstruct views for pedestrians and vehicles. All trimming on public rights-of-way must be done by a licensed contractor. The Greeley Forestry Division can require trimming or removal of trees or other plant growth where there is an immediate danger to persons or property. The costs of such trimming is billed to the landowner. If you have questions or would like more information visit the Forestry Division pages. You may also call the department for information or to report a vegetation problem at 339-2405. You may leave a message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Every property in the City must be kept free of weed growth. Weeds include untended grasses, nuisance plants, and noxious plants considered a particular threat due to their invasive growth tendencies. Each developed lot is required to have plant material free of weed growth. Vacant lots must be maintained with weeds cut frequently to prevent spreading to other properties.

Certain plants are designated as noxious weeds. Management of these plants often requires a defined management plan. If you are required to develop a Weed Management Plan for your property this document provides a guide to creating one. Complete this form to create the management plan for your property.

In addition to not having weeds or bare dirt, a yard cannot be all rock or hard surface. At least 50% of the each yard area (front, side, back, parkway) must be covered with approved live plants such as grass, perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees.  Please consult our Landscaping brochure for information on how to calculate the amount of yard coverage. Additional information on water conservation, xeriscape, soil amendment requirements and landscaping rebates is available on the Water Conservation page.