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Arapahoe County · Colorado operating guide

Centennial, CO HOA Regulations & Compliance Standards

A volunteer board guide for Centennial: understand where municipal code ends, where your HOA covenants begin, and how to comply with Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) & HB22-1137.

The quick answer

Centennial licenses short-term rentals under Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 9 (Ord. 2021-O-14) while HOA covenants may still ban short stays. Confirm licensing, occupancy, and fence standards before ACC decisions under Colorado's CCIOA.

Late fees (Colorado): Delinquent interest capped at 8% per year; strict statutory 30-day cure periods apply before covenant fines can be assessed (max $500 total per standard violation).. Confirm against your declaration and current statute.

Reviewed by the KindHOA Editorial Team · Last reviewed July 25, 2026

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Colorado CCIOA & local noise ordinances

Colorado HOAs operate under CCIOA (Title 38, Article 33.3). City noise ordinances and HOA quiet-hour covenants are separate enforcement tracks — publish both in your rules directory.

No. 01— Municipal Code vs. HOA Authority in Centennial

Centennial incorporated in 2001 and is largely built-out with established associations. Boards often field parking, landscaping, and rental questions that split between city and HOA tracks.

Local rules board members use

City-specific answers for Centennial — sourced to municipal code and official city pages. Educational, not legal advice.

Does Centennial restrict short-term rentals (Airbnb / VRBO)?

Centennial requires an active STR license for rentals under 30 days under Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 9 (e.g., Sec. 6-9-10 et seq., Ord. 2021-O-14). Published rules include occupancy limits (commonly 2 per bedroom / max 8), a ban on STRs in ADUs, off-street parking, neighbor handouts, and a trash plan with proof of weekly waste service. Confirm current application materials on centennialco.gov; recorded HOA bans remain separately enforceable.

Primary source: Centennial municipal code / city ordinances

What fence and setback rules apply beyond our HOA ARC?

Centennial Land Development Code Sec. 12-3-602 and the city’s residential fence table generally allow front-yard fences up to 4 feet and interior side / street-side / rear fences up to 8 feet. A fence permit is required for new fences and replacements that change height, location, or materials; inspection is commonly required if the fence exceeds 6 feet.

Primary source: Centennial municipal code / city ordinances

Who handles trash, recycling, and bulky pickup in Centennial?

Centennial does not provide citywide residential collection — private haulers serve the city, and many HOAs contract a single provider. STR license applications typically require a trash plan and proof of weekly waste service. Confirm your hauler before posting collection rules to owners.

Primary source: Centennial municipal code / city ordinances

When does a city building permit apply even after ARC approval?

Centennial Building Services issues permits for regulated construction; require them alongside HOA architectural review.

Primary source: Centennial municipal code / city ordinances

What climate and housing patterns shape Centennial covenants?

Centennial's Front Range climate and mature tree canopy drive drainage and landscaping covenants. Liens record with the Arapahoe County Clerk.

Primary source: Centennial municipal code / city ordinances

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Official municipal code

Centennial city ordinances

Read the published city code directly from the official online library before comparing it to your HOA covenants.

(opens in a new tab)

Summaries below are for board orientation. Verify requirements in the official Centennial municipal code (opens in a new tab).

Short-term rentals

Centennial municipal code

Centennial requires an active STR license for rentals under 30 days under Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 9 (e.g., Sec. 6-9-10 et seq., Ord. 2021-O-14). Published rules include occupancy limits (commonly 2 per bedroom / max 8), a ban on STRs in ADUs, off-street parking, neighbor handouts, and a trash plan with proof of weekly waste service. Confirm current application materials on centennialco.gov; recorded HOA bans remain separately enforceable.

HOA governing documents

HOAs enforce recorded use restrictions (minimum lease terms, guest limits, parking) when consistent with applicable city licensure and state law. Covenant enforcement requires notice, cure periods, and uniform application.

Fences & structural additions

Zoning & building code

Centennial Land Development Code Sec. 12-3-602 and the city’s residential fence table generally allow front-yard fences up to 4 feet and interior side / street-side / rear fences up to 8 feet. A fence permit is required for new fences and replacements that change height, location, or materials; inspection is commonly required if the fence exceeds 6 feet.

Permit thresholds

Centennial Building Services issues permits for regulated construction; require them alongside HOA architectural review.

HOA architectural control

HOAs review fences and additions through architectural committees under CC&Rs. Municipal compliance alone does not satisfy HOA design or notice requirements.

Solar & xeriscaping rights

State / local protections

C.R.S. §38-30-168 voids covenants that prohibit renewable energy devices (including solar). Aesthetic rules may not increase cost more than 10% or reduce production more than 10%, and approvals must follow statutory timelines. Water-efficient landscaping cannot be banned when it meets applicable water-district and municipal rules. HB22-1137 and CCIOA collection reforms also limit certain fee practices—confirm with association counsel.

What HOAs may still regulate

HOAs may adopt reasonable design rules that meet statutory tests (location, color, timeline). Associations cannot impose outright bans where state law voids them.

No. 02— Board quick actions
No. 03— Actionable Checklists for Centennial Boards

Wildfire defensible-space compliance

Wildland-urban-interface communities face increasing mitigation expectations. Coordinate landscape standards with local fire district guidelines.

Board checklist

  • Adopt a defensible-space checklist for lots and common areas
  • Schedule annual walk-throughs before peak fire season
  • Document violation cure periods with photo evidence
  • Share evacuation and communication plans with residents

Seasonal irrigation & water restrictions

Drought cycles and municipal watering schedules affect landscaping covenants. Automate reminders when restrictions tighten.

Board checklist

  • Map irrigation zones against city restriction tiers
  • Amend landscape guidelines for xeric or native plantings
  • Notify residents when restrictions change mid-season
  • Coordinate with landscapers on approved watering windows

Winter snow & ice ordinances

Mountain communities often require timely sidewalk clearing and designated plow routes. Boards should align CC&R enforcement with municipal snow events.

Board checklist

  • Define resident vs. HOA responsibility for walks and drives
  • Set a 24–48 hour clearing standard after measurable snow
  • Track vendor plowing contracts and insurance certificates
  • Broadcast weather-triggered reminders to homeowners

Short-term rental compliance

Cities and counties increasingly regulate STRs. HOAs should align covenant enforcement with municipal registration rules.

Board checklist

  • Publish STR registration and parking standards in the document library
  • Define noise, occupancy, and guest parking enforcement steps
  • Log violation notices with cure periods and follow-up dates
  • Coordinate with city licensing requirements where applicable
No. 04— Day-to-day HOA Operations in Centennial

Neighborhood rules & collection

Municipal trash schedules, curb placement, and code enforcement pathways.

Centennial does not provide citywide residential collection — private haulers serve the city, and many HOAs contract a single provider. STR license applications typically require a trash plan and proof of weekly waste service. Confirm your hauler before posting collection rules to owners.

Escalation & dispute resolution

Mediation, courts, and state resources when board actions are challenged.

Colorado disputes may be resolved through association internal processes, mediation, or state courts. Small claims jurisdiction is set by Colorado statute and court rule—verify current limits with the clerk of Arapahoe County. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Real Estate, maintains HOA-related consumer resources. For collection disputes, comply with CCIOA notice and HB22-1137 cure requirements before referral to counsel.

No. 05— Frequently Asked Questions for Centennial HOAs
What Colorado HOA laws apply to our Centennial community?

Most HOAs in Centennial follow the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) plus recorded covenants. City noise ordinances, STR licensing, and Arapahoe County clerk recording add a local layer — see kindhoa.com/compliance/colorado and kindhoa.com/compliance/colorado/centennial. Educational, not legal advice.

State-level guidance — confirm current city ordinances with local officials.

Does the city of Centennial restrict Airbnbs or short-term rentals more strictly than standard HOA bylaws?

Centennial requires an active STR license for rentals under 30 days under Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 9 (e.g., Sec. 6-9-10 et seq., Ord. 2021-O-14). Published rules include occupancy limits (commonly 2 per bedroom / max 8), a ban on STRs in ADUs, off-street parking, neighbor handouts, and a trash plan with proof of weekly waste service. Confirm current application materials on centennialco.gov; recorded HOA bans remain separately enforceable.

What fence height and setback rules apply in Centennial?

Centennial Land Development Code Sec. 12-3-602 and the city’s residential fence table generally allow front-yard fences up to 4 feet and interior side / street-side / rear fences up to 8 feet. A fence permit is required for new fences and replacements that change height, location, or materials; inspection is commonly required if the fence exceeds 6 feet.

How does trash and recycling collection work for Centennial HOAs?

Centennial does not provide citywide residential collection — private haulers serve the city, and many HOAs contract a single provider. STR license applications typically require a trash plan and proof of weekly waste service. Confirm your hauler before posting collection rules to owners.

Can our HOA fine a homeowner for structural modifications if they already have a Centennial building permit?

Centennial Building Services issues permits for regulated construction; require them alongside HOA architectural review.

Are we legally allowed to ban xeriscaping or solar panels in our community?

C.R.S. §38-30-168 voids covenants that prohibit renewable energy devices (including solar). Aesthetic rules may not increase cost more than 10% or reduce production more than 10%, and approvals must follow statutory timelines. Water-efficient landscaping cannot be banned when it meets applicable water-district and municipal rules. HB22-1137 and CCIOA collection reforms also limit certain fee practices—confirm with association counsel.

How do we handle neighbor disputes or fine escalations within Arapahoe County?

Colorado disputes may be resolved through association internal processes, mediation, or state courts. Small claims jurisdiction is set by Colorado statute and court rule—verify current limits with the clerk of Arapahoe County. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Real Estate, maintains HOA-related consumer resources. For collection disputes, comply with CCIOA notice and HB22-1137 cure requirements before referral to counsel.

Reviewed by the KindHOA Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 25, 2026

Sources

KindHOA is educational software for self-managed boards, not a law firm, and this guide is not legal advice. State statutes, local ordinances, and your community’s recorded CC&Rs control and change over time — confirm liens, amendments, and enforcement with association counsel and the official sources above.

No. 06— HOA Late Fee Estimator for Centennial, CO

Late fee estimator

What's the maximum late fee in Centennial, CO?

Enter your typical monthly assessment to see how local caps may apply. KindHOA can automate notices and fee schedules once your board defines the rules.

$

Estimated legal ceiling

$500.00

Many associations cannot assess late fees until accounts are at least 30 days past due and proper notice has been sent. You entered 15 days past due.

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No. 07— More Colorado city guides
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