Code Enforcement

The City of Cañon City recognizes the vital importance of preserving a high quality of life throughout the community through safe and sanitary living conditions and positive images. Therefore, the city has adopted local codes and ordinances that regulate the proper use and maintenance of properties within the city. The mission of the Code Enforcement Division is to serve our citizens by ensuring compliance with the city’s municipal codes: providing effective public contact and education, building cooperative partnerships throughout our community, and when necessary, enforcing the regulations in an equitable and impartial manner.

Code enforcement ensures compliance for:

  • Maintenance of adjacent rights-of-way
  • Placement of mobile homes
  • Recreational vehicle parking and storage in residential zones
  • Unlicensed/inoperable vehicles
  • Weeds and the accumulation of trash or junk on properties

Due Process

Code Enforcement must allow due process when requiring abatement of violations. Upon verification that a violation exists, a verbal or written warning is given to the occupant and/or property owner.

An owner will generally be given 7 to 10 days to resolve the problem. Upon re-inspection, if the violation still exists, a notice of violation is sent to the property owner. Continued non-compliance may result in a Summons to Municipal Court.

Inoperable Vehicles

A new lawHouse Bill 22-1388requires owners of an inoperable vehicle undergoing maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding, or renovation, to pay an annual specific ownership tax (SOT). Upon payment, the owner will receive a decal as proof of payment which needs to be placed on the inoperable vehicle. If the vehicle is kept on private property, the owner shouldn’t be charged additional surcharges or fees for the purpose of getting the vehicle into working condition. Once the vehicle is in working condition, the vehicle owner will need to register the vehicle with their county motor vehicle office.

Please be advised that if you do not pay the annual SOT for an inoperable vehicle (and receive the decal), you will be subject to prior registration fees according to the Colorado Registration Fairness Act (House Bill 22-1254when you go to register your vehicle after it is in working order.

Know Your Community

The City Council encourages residents to become community-minded by getting to know your neighbors and working together; creating the most effective way to provide safe and attractive neighborhoods and sanitary living conditions for all citizens. Walk your neighborhood and meet your neighbors. Working together is the most effective program. The Code Enforcement Officer is always available to help resolve problems.