Centennial Municipal Bylaws: Key Definitions & Terms

General Governance and Administration Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Colorado

This guide explains core definitions and intergovernmental terms used in Centennial, Colorado municipal bylaws and related city rules. It helps residents, planners, legal staff, and intergovernmental partners understand terms commonly found in the Centennial municipal code, ordinances, and department directives. The guide points to the official code and enforcement contacts, outlines enforcement and appeal paths, and lists practical steps for common administrative actions. Where a specific fee, fine, or form is not published on an official page, the text notes that fact and cites the official source so you can follow up with the enforcing office.

Key Definitions & Intergovernmental Terms

Common municipal terms often appear in Centennial ordinances and administrative rules. Definitions may be in a dedicated "Definitions" chapter of the municipal code or within specific titles (e.g., zoning, licensing, enforcement). For the authoritative consolidated code see the city code publisher.Municipal Code[1]

  • Ordinance — law enacted by City Council under charter authority; use municipal code citation when referencing.
  • Resolution — policy or administrative action adopted by the Council; often implements ordinances or directs staff.
  • Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) — formal contract between Centennial and another public entity defining roles, funding, or service delivery.
  • Enforcing Officer / Official — the department or designated official charged with compliance and enforcement for a code topic.
Definitions may vary by code title and the code's standalone "Definitions" section is authoritative.

Intergovernmental Relationships

Centennial frequently coordinates with Arapahoe County, regional transit and water districts, and state agencies on planning, building inspections, and shared services. When a city ordinance references state statutes or county regulations, the city code will identify the controlling authority or cross-reference the state law; always consult the cited section in the official code.Building & Permit Info[3]

  • Common cross-jurisdiction topics: building permits, plan review, code inspection reciprocity.
  • IGAs usually specify liability, cost-sharing, and appeal or dispute resolution procedures.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of Centennial municipal bylaws is carried out by the designated enforcement department for each code area (e.g., Code Enforcement, Community Development, Municipal Court for adjudication). Fine amounts, escalation, and continuing penalties are set in specific code sections or cited civil penalty schedules; where a monetary amount or escalation scheme is not shown on an official page, this guide notes that fact and points to the authoritative source.Municipal Code[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for general definitions; consult the specific code chapter or penalty schedule for amounts.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatments are defined per chapter or penalty provision; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, abatement, permit suspensions, stop-work orders, seizure or removal of hazardous materials, and referral to court.
  • Enforcer and adjudicator: enforcement departments and the Municipal Court or administrative hearing officer, depending on the ordinance.
  • Complaints and inspections: submit complaints to the city's Code Enforcement or Community Development departments for investigation.Municipal Court & Complaints[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes typically include an administrative hearing and appeal to Municipal Court; time limits are specified in the code or the adopting ordinance and are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: ordinances commonly allow defenses such as permits, variances, or a reasonable excuse where provided; check the specific ordinance for statutory language.
If you receive a notice, act promptly to request the listed administrative hearing to preserve appeal rights.

Applications & Forms

Many enforcement and permitting actions require official forms or applications; some forms are hosted by the Community Development or City Clerk pages. For building, licensing, and permit forms see the city departments that administer the program.Building & Permit Info[3]

  • Common forms: permit applications, variance requests, code compliance complaint forms—availability and fees vary by program and are listed on the administering department page.
  • Fees: specific filing and permit fees are published with the applicable application or fee schedule; if not posted, the fee is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: most applications can be submitted online or to the department listed on the form; see the department page for methods and addresses.

Action Steps

  • Identify the specific code chapter cited in your notice or matter and read the definitions and penalty provisions in that chapter.
  • Download and complete the official form from the administering department or contact the City Clerk if a form is not posted.
  • If you wish to challenge an enforcement action, follow the appeal steps and deadlines in the ordinance and request an administrative hearing promptly.
  • Report noncompliance or request inspection through Code Enforcement or Community Development contact pages.

FAQ

Where can I find the official Centennial municipal code?
The consolidated municipal code is published online by the official code publisher and linked from the City of Centennial website; consult the code for the authoritative text.Municipal Code[1]
Who enforces municipal bylaws in Centennial?
Enforcement is managed by the department delegated in the ordinance (commonly Code Enforcement or Community Development) and adjudicated by Municipal Court or an administrative hearing process.Municipal Court & Complaints[2]
How do I apply for permits or variances?
Use the applications published on the administering department's pages; building permits and related forms are on the Community Development page.Building & Permit Info[3]

How-To

  1. Locate the ordinance chapter or code section referenced in your notice.
  2. Confirm the enforcing department and find the related form on that department’s page.
  3. Submit required forms and fees as directed; retain proof of submission.
  4. If you disagree, file an administrative appeal within the deadline stated in the ordinance or notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Always consult the specific code chapter for authoritative definitions and penalties.
  • Contact the enforcing department early to confirm requirements and preserve appeal rights.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - City of Centennial (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Centennial Municipal Court & Complaints
  3. [3] City of Centennial Community Development - Building & Permit Info

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