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1. Is it legal to discharge a firearm in the active protection of livestock(chickens) against a nuisance animal (bobcat) attack?

The Town of Castle Rock has a municipal ordinance as it pertains to the use of firearms. Castle Rock Municipal code 9.04.160 - Discharging weapons states it is unlawful for any person, except law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, to fire or discharge within Town limits. Discharging a firearm to protect livestock from wildlife is not accepted under the municipal code. It is worth noting, chickens are not considered livestock according to the Town of Castle Rock Municipal code 6.02.030, where livestock is specifically defined as horses, mules, sheep, goats, cattle, swine, geese, pigeons, turkeys, pea fowl and guinea hens. For more information on requirements for chickens and ducks in the Town of Castle Rock, please read Municipal code 6.02.250, or call the Castle Rock Police Department's Animal Control Unit at 720-733-6063.

2. What can be done to stop noise from jake brakes/compression engine brakes?

Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD) officers can make a stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle for any violation of Title 42/Model Traffic Code. CRPD will be teaming with the Colorado State Patrol in 2023 to conduct commercial motor vehicle inspections with an emphasis on proper compression engine brakes.

Updated Jan. 17, 2023

3. How is the need for fire restrictions evaluated?

Seven factors are considered when determining whether the Town should be placed under fire restrictions. These are: 1 and 2) two different evaluations of the moisture content of plant materials; 3) the current fire danger rating from the National Weather Service; 4 and 5) the resources available to fight fires and recent incidences of fires; 6) whether adverse fire conditions are predicted to continue; and 7) the local fire preparedness level as set by the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group.

If specified criteria are met related to at least three of these factors, Stage 1 restrictions are considered. Once a fourth condition is met, Stage 2 restrictions are considered. Conditions are evaluated for the Town as a whole and not for certain areas, although moisture levels may vary throughout Town given how rainfall tends to occur here.

It's important to note that while the rapid downpours that are typical in summer in Castle Rock generally help increase the moisture level of grasses, they typically do not provide great amounts of moisture for larger, more flammable plant materials like scrub oak and trees. Additional factors including heat, relative humidity and wind also come into play when recommending fire restrictions.

More information about Fire Restrictions

4. What is the schedule of maintenance for fire hydrants in Castle Rock?

Castle Rock Water's goal is to check each fire hydrant in Town annually. Additionally, Castle Rock Fire Department (CRFD) checks hydrants when they respond on fire alarm calls, natural gas leaks and other requests for service.

In its most recent Insurance Service Office evaluation in 2021, the Town received a score of 39.37 out of a possible 40 for water supply, reflecting well-maintained hydrants and overall water system.

Published Jan. 24, 2022

5. What is the process to request police to increase their presence in neighborhoods where speeding is prevalent?

To report speeding traffic, call the Castle Rock non-emergency line at 303-663-6100 or Report a Concern. When prompted to select an issue type, choose Speeding Traffic. Castle Rock Police will be notified of your concern.

Report a Concern

6. Who is supposed to enforce the "No Parking at any Time" signs posted in Castlewood Ranch? Is it the Homeowners Association (HOA), Douglas County Sheriff's Office or CRPD?

For signs on Town streets, the Castle Rock Police Department would be the enforcing agency. Violations can be reported to the non emergency Police line at 303-663-6100 or Report a Concern. When prompted to select an issue type, choose "Vehicle parked in the same place..." The Castle Rock Police Department will be notified of your concern.

Report a Concern

7. In a residential neighborhood, is it legal to park on the opposite side of the street, going against traffic? Also, is it legal to park with two wheels on the sidewalk?

Both are illegal. Vehicles must park with the flow of traffic and cannot park on the sidewalk.

8. Is it legal for motorized dirt bikes to be driven on streets in The Meadows? It is legal for motorized vehicles/bikes to ride in the open space adjacent to Morning Glory and Waverton Ranch?

Dirt bikes that are registered with the State are legal to drive on streets. As to the open space, if someone has permission from the property owner - the Meadows HOA, in this case - to use the property in that way, they may. If they do not have permission from an HOA representative, then riding in that area could be considered trespassing and/or damaging property.

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, ride upon or engage in the recreation use of any motorized recreation vehicle within the Town upon any private lands, other that his or her own, unless the use thereon has been specifically authorized by the Town, or unless written permission has been secured from the owner of the land allowing such use and such permission is in the possession of the person so using the land.

Updated Jan. 17, 2023

9. What are the laws around marijuana consumption outdoors on residential property? Are these laws being enforced?

With the passage of the Colorado Medical Use of Marijuana, Initiative 20 (in 2000), and the Colorado Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Amendment 64 (in 2012), marijuana use (subject to certain restrictions) was legalized in the State. Article XVIII of the Colorado Constitution, Section 16 (3)(d), titled "Personal Use and Regulation of Marijuana" states: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following acts are not unlawful and shall not be an offense under Colorado law or the law of any locality within Colorado or be a basis for seizure, or forfeiture of assets under Colorado law for persons twenty-one years of age or older: (d) Consumption of marijuana, provided that nothing in this section shall permit consumption that is conducted openly and publicly or in a manner that endangers others. A number of Colorado statutes also govern various aspects of marijuana use. Generally, property owners are permitted to make their own choices about marijuana use on their property. However, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account when making determinations surrounding the "legality" of marijuana use, on private property, which are driven by particularized factual circumstances. Accordingly, we are not in a position to make global statements about any specific situation. The Castle Rock Police Department is sworn to enforce the laws and it is committed to doing so.

10. Is it true that Castle Rock’s growth is bringing more crime?

Although no community is immune from crime, Castle Rock is a very safe community. Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD) strives to keep up with population growth as we continue to provide a high level of public safety service to the community. It is worth noting the Town of Castle Rock has received continued recognition as being among Colorado's safest places from various organizations throughout the years.

Note: Crime statistics are published each year in Castle Rock Police Department Annual Report.

Updated Jan. 29, 2021

Castle Rock Police Department Annual Report

11. Why are the firefighters on overpasses/bridges on I-25?

A group called the Federal Protection Agency (follow them on Facebook) provides escorts of fallen military personnel to and from Denver International Airport (DIA). Usually, they are taking the fallen member from Colorado Springs to DIA to be flown home.

Whenever this occurs, they notify all public safety agencies along the route of their estimated travel times. When possible, CRFD stands at to the overpasses to render honors as the fallen member passes through Castle Rock. Castle Rock police officers and Douglas County sheriff's deputies also join when available, and most public safety agencies pay their respects along the entire route.

12. I’ve heard Pit Bulls will no longer be banned. Is that true?

As a home rule municipality, the Town of Castle Rock has its own set of laws and codes. Following two open houses, written public feedback and three Town Council public hearings, Council officially approved staff's recommended changes to the Town Code related to animals.

No dogs are restricted based on their appearance or breed. Restrictions are now based on dog behavior, and are identified in a two-tiered system defining potentially dangerous dogs, and dangerous dogs. A dog need not bite to be determined as potentially dangerous. A potentially dangerous dog may be allowed to remain in the Town under court ordered restrictions. A dog determined to be a dangerous dog is not allowed in the Town.

updated April 16, 2021

Learn about animal ordinances