Weird Colorado Laws Found on the Internet (Part II)

(Part VI: Odd Laws in Colorado)

If you do a search on the Internet for strange laws in Colorado, there are a number of sites that rattle off any number of wacky laws. But don’t believe everything you read online. Many of the weirdest, most ridiculous, or most outrageous laws you might stumble upon are either misreadings or misinterpretations of a statute or ordinance or are just completely made up.

Here is the truth behind some more of the most popular odd Colorado laws found on the Internet:

Number 4: Is it unlawful to bring your horse or pack mule higher than the ground floor of any building in Denver?

While it’s not necessarily against the law to take your pack animal for a walk on the roof, Denver’s municipal code, Article II Division 1 Section 8-81(a), makes it unlawful “for any person to stable or confine any horse, mule, cattle, or other livestock,” “on any floor above or below the ground floor,” except in specially designed, fireproof buildings. Ord. No. 672-18, § 1, 7-16-18.

Number 5: In Denver, does the dog catcher really have to serve all dogs notice of impounding, for three consecutive days, by posting on a tree in the city park?

Denver’s municipal code, Article VII Section 8-150, says that, when an animal is impounded, the owner of the animal must be notified. “If the owner is not known, there shall be posted at the Denver Animal Shelter and animal protection’s website for a period of not less than three (3) days a notice containing a description of the animal impounded.” Ord. No. 672-18, § 1, 7-16-18.

That code goes on to say that if the animal was impounded because of cruelty or neglect, and the owner was not immediately notified, then “a conspicuous notice at the location of impoundment” must be posted explaining why and where the animal was taken.

Number 6: In Colorado Springs, is it really only permissible to wear a holstered six-gun within city limits except on Sunday, Election Day, or holidays?

Gun laws are a complex interplay of rules and regulations, from the federal on down to the state and local levels. Every town and municipality has its own gun restrictions, and, if you’re not familiar with the specifics of the particular ordinances where you are, you might easily find yourself breaking any number of laws.

That said, generally, Colorado is an “open-carry” state and it’s permissible to wear a revolver just about everywhere, with a few exceptions. These limitations have nothing to do with when or what day it is, but rather where you’re allowed to take a gun, and who can legally possess a gun in the first place.

In Denver, for instance, it’s unlawful for anyone except law enforcement and security personnel to openly carry or wear a dangerous or deadly weapon – including a revolver. Art. IV, Div. 2, Sec. 38-117(b).

While Colorado Springs doesn’t have such a strict prohibition against openly wearing a gun, according to its municipal code, Article 7 Part 1 Section 9.7.103, it’s still a crime to display any firearm in a manner intended to “intimidate, threaten, alarm or frighten” anyone.

And, while there is no specific law against carrying a six-gun in Colorado Springs on Sundays, Election Day, or on holidays, there are still many prohibitions against taking any firearm – either concealed or openly – on public transportation or anywhere near the airport, courthouses, police stations, government buildings, schools, or even on federal lands on any day of the year.

What weird Colorado laws have you heard about? Keep an eye on our Colorado Law Blog for more odd law explanations and myth-busting!