Common Party Violations & Complaints#
City Codes#
Current As Of December 1, 2016
Nuisance Gatherings
Deals with impacts on neighboring properties, resulting from social gatherings. Examples of these impacts could include trash and litter, public urination, and vandalism. This ordinance makes it a misdemeanor criminal offense to the responsible party (the gathering host, not necessarily the people actually littering or vandalizing) when these types of nuisances occur on neighboring private or public property. If abatement is required as a result of a nuisance gathering (such as cleaning up trash in the neighborhood, repairing street signs, etc.) the abatement cost could be charged to the person(s) responsible for the gathering.
Unreasonable Noise - Fine $1,000
No person shall make, continue or cause to be made any unreasonable noise. No person shall knowingly allow such noise upon any premises or in any vehicle owned, possessed, or under the control of that person. Noise complaints are enforced by the City of Fort Collins Police Services. Please call the non-emergency dispatch at 970-419-3273.
Bodily Waste - Fine $300-500
No person shall deposit or allow to be deposited any human excrement, vomit, spittle, or other bodily waste unless it is deposited in a receptacle intended for such purpose.
Disturbing the Peace - Fine $200
No person shall disturb or aid in disturbing the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, offensive, disorderly, or obstreperous conduct, and no person shall permit such conduct on any property under that person's control.
Littering - Fine $300
No person shall leave any loose paper, rags, rubbish, waste material, refuse, garbage, trash, or other debris upon a public or private place.
Public Nuisance Ordinance (PNO) for Multiple Violations
In 2000, the Public Nuisance Ordinance (PNO) was established to remedy chronic "problem properties." The City considers a property a problem when city code violations occur on a regular basis annoying or disturbing others, and tickets were issued. The City considers property owners accountable for the use of their properties. After the first ticket is issued, the violator, property owner and property manager receive a letter from the City explaining the PNO consequences, and encouraging positive resolution so no additional tickets are issued. Visit the City Attorney's Public Nuisance Ordinance webpage.
State Statutes#
Providing Alcohol to a Minor
It is unlawful to sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, deliver, or permit the sale of alcohol to any person under 21.
Selling Alcohol
It is unlawful to make, sell, or offer for sale any alcohol unless licensed to do so.
Other Common Violations#
Downtown Dismount Zone - $75
Disorderly Conduct - Fine $500
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or recklessly: Make a coarse and obviously offensive utterance, gesture or display in a public place. Abuse or threaten a person in a public place. Fight with another in a public place. Display a deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm.
Trespass - Fine $300
No person shall, without legal privilege, enter a vehicle or premises of another, or place restricted to use by gender (restrooms, locker rooms, etc).
Harassment - $500
Interference with Public Officers - Fine $500
No person shall use or threaten to use physical interference or obstacle to knowingly obstruct, impair, or hinder any police officer, fire fighter, city employee, or other public official. No person shall, after having been ordered to move on by a police officer, remain in the officer's presence, disrupt, obstruct, hinder, or impair the officer's enforcement of the law.
Carrying or Drinking Alcohol in Public - Fine $300
No person shall carry, have open, or consume any alcohol in any vehicle, public place, school or university.
False Reporting to Authorities - Fine $750/6 months jail
It is unlawful to knowingly provide false identifying information such as name, date of birth, address, social security number, drivers license number, or Colorado ID number to police.
Resisting Arrest - $750
Riots and Rioting
A public disturbance involving 3 or more people whose conduct creates a danger of damage or injury to people or property or substantially obstructs the performance of any government function.
Inciting a Riot - Fine $5,000/18 months jail (3 years / $100,000 for injury or damage)
No person shall incite or urge a group of 5 or more people to engage in a riot.
Arming Rioter - Fine $500,000/6 years jail
No person shall supply a deadly weapon or destructive device for use in a riot. No person shall teach another to prepare or use the above with the intent that item is to be used in a riot.
Engaging in a Riot - Fine $1,000/12 months jail (6 years / $500,000 for injury or damage)
Anyone convicted of engaging in a riot will not be allowed to attend any state colleges or universities for a period of AT LEAST 1 year.
Violations that could be copied to CSU include: disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespassing, interference with public officers, carrying or drinking alcohol in public, bodily waste, littering, providing alcohol to a minor, selling alcohol without a license, false reporting, DUI, and inciting, arming, or engaging in a riot.