HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2025 - Study Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
Monday, June 2, 2025
6:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at: 7500 West 29th
Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers.
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Public Comment on Agenda Items
1. Animal Code Amendments
2. Social Club Amendments
3. Staff Report(s)
4. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
ITEM NO. 1
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Marianne Schilling, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Cole Haselip, Management Analyst
DATE: June 2, 2025
SUBJECT: Animal Code Amendments
ISSUE:
Councilmembers Weaver and Hultin requested a study session to review the City’s animal welfare code requirements. Several sections of the City’s animal code are outdated or do
not reflect current needs or practices. As such, Staff propose several amendments to the
Wheat Ridge Animal Code for the Council’s consideration.
PRIOR ACTION:
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Staff have compiled several items and associated recommendations to amend Chapter
4 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, which covers animals. The items are organized by
the section of Chapter 4 they relate to, and by the order in which they appear in this memo.
For each topic, Staff provides a summary and recommendation; however, City Council may choose to amend the recommendation or take no action on that item. For ease of
review, Staff have provided a summary recommendation sheet as Attachment 1.
Sec. 4-8. Running at Large; Off-Leash Dog Parks.
ITEM A: Sec. 4-8(a) Animal At-Large Dog owners are prohibited from allowing their dogs to run at large in the City of Wheat
Ridge. However, owners of other permitted animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats,
mules, donkeys, burros, llamas, swine, potbellied pigs, rabbits, cats and any other domestic animals are not subject to the same restriction. While these animals are less
likely to run at large, when they do, they can pose similar risks to public safety and the community as at-large dogs.
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 2
Therefore, Staff recommends amending the municipal code to prohibit all animal
owners from allowing their animals to run at large, with the exception of domestic house cats. This exemption aligns with standard practice, as house cats pose minimal
risk to public safety, property damage, or harm to others when compared to other
animals. The Cities of Arvada and Golden have similar laws, allowing only domestic
housecats to roam at large.
Staff Recommendation:
Prohibit all animals from running at large, except for domestic house cats.
ITEM B: Sec. 4-8(c) Off-Leash Dog Park Regulations
All violations of Chapter 4 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, which governs animals, are
currently classified as criminal offenses. These offenses are eligible for jail sentences
and therefore require prosecution by jury trial. This includes violations of rules specific to behavior in City-designated dog parks which are generally more civil in nature.
To address this, Staff recommends relocating the relevant dog park regulations from
Chapter 4 (Animal Code) to Chapter 17 (Parks and Recreation). This change would
allow dog park violations to be treated as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses, eliminating the need for jury trials while still allowing the City to impose fines ranging
from $25 to $1,000.
Staff Recommendation:
Amend the code to relocate off-leash dog park rules, thereby allowing them to be addressed as civil rather than criminal violations.
Sec. 4-10. Rabies Control.
ITEM C: 4-10(b) Owners Required to Report Bites
The current code requires any animal that bites a person be confined for ten days and not released without approval from the City’s Community Service Officer (CSO). However, this
language is broad, and there is significant ambiguity around what qualifies as a “bite.”
Staff recommends amending this section to better define a bite that must be reported as
one that causes a wound breaking the skin, since these are the types of bites that pose a
risk for rabies. Additionally, Staff recommends requiring the animal owner to file an incident report with the City’s CSO within 48 hours of the incident. The Cities of Golden
and Arvada also require owners to file a report when their animal bites another person.
Staff Recommendation: Amend the code to specify that confinement is required for any bite that causes a wound
breaking the skin, and that the owner of the animal inflicting the bite must file an incident report within 48 hours.
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 3
ITEM D: 4-10(e) Rabies Quarantine Vaccinations
Rabies is a viral disease typically transmitted through the bites or saliva of an infected animal. Animals that bite humans must be quarantined and examined by a licensed
veterinarian to determine if they have rabies. Veterinarians generally assess symptoms
of rabies before performing a test, which requires euthanizing the animal to obtain brain
tissue. A person bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies must begin treatment
within 48 hours to prevent contracting the disease, which is almost always fatal once
symptoms appear.
As previously mentioned, a rabies test requires a brain biopsy, which must be
conducted on a recently euthanized animal to ensure accuracy. To protect the integrity
of this process, the City of Wheat Ridge prohibits owners from euthanizing an animal
before it can be properly confined by the City’s CSOs. Similarly, administering a rabies
vaccine to an animal that has bitten a person before it has been quarantined and evaluated by a veterinarian can interfere with symptom assessment and test results.
Therefore, Staff recommends amending the code to prohibit administering a rabies
vaccination to a quarantined animal unless expressly approved in writing by a CSO. This
approach aligns with the City of Lakewood, which also prohibits vaccinating an animal
after it has inflicted a bite on a person.
Staff Recommendation:
Prohibit animal owners from administering a rabies vaccination to an animal under
quarantine after it has bitten a person.
ITEM E: 4-10(h) Rabies Outbreak Powers
The Mayor is currently entrusted with the authority to impose strict regulations,
including quarantines, on animals during a rabies outbreak emergency. The Cities of
Arvada and Lakewood do not specify which office holds the authority to regulate
animals during such an emergency, while the City of Golden designates these powers to the Chief of Police. Staff recommends removing these powers from the Mayor and the
code, allowing Staff to rely directly on expert guidance and enforce regulations dictated
by Jefferson County Public Health, under the direction of the City Manager.
Staff Recommendation: Remove the Mayor’s authority to impose regulations on animals during a rabies outbreak
emergency.
Sec. 4-11. Cruelty or Inhumane Treatment.
ITEM F: 4-11 Unsafe Transport of Animals (NEW) The City of Arvada prohibits the unsafe transport of animals due to concerns that animals
could fall from vehicles or be exposed to dangerous weather conditions. Wheat Ridge
Staff share these concerns; however, the City’s municipal code does not specifically
address this issue.
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 4
To align with best practices and address animal safety concerns, Staff recommend
amending the code to prohibit the unsafe transportation of animals in Wheat Ridge. If implemented, this regulation would require animals to be transported in an enclosed
vehicle, trailer, or a secure restraining device that prevents them from falling, being
thrown, or jumping from a vehicle.
Staff Recommendation:
Prohibit the unsafe transportation of animals as recommended by Staff.
ITEM G: 4-11 Animals Exposed to Extreme Temperatures in Vehicles (NEW)
Several cities prohibit leaving animals in vehicles or in any situation that exposes them to
extreme temperatures or other conditions that could endanger their health or well-being.
This type of prohibition is not currently codified in the City of Wheat Ridge. Instead, Staff
rely on the authority granted under state law, as outlined in the Colorado Revised Statutes, to address such situations. While the City’s police and CSOs already have the power to
act under state law, Staff recommends codifying this prohibition at the local level to
strengthen local control and provide officers with a clear, city-specific legal framework to
address these issues.
Staff Recommendation:
Codify a prohibition on leaving animals in conditions that expose it to extreme
temperatures or any other circumstances that endanger their health or wellbeing.
ITEM H: 4-11 Unsafe Keeping of Animals (NEW) Similar to the previous item concerning animals exposed to extreme temperatures,
several cities also prohibit the unsafe keeping of animals. These cities authorize
officers, when there is reasonable cause to believe that an animal’s care or condition
poses a danger to the animal or to public health and safety, to enter the property or
vehicle where the animal is kept, solely for the purpose of addressing the violation.
While the City of Wheat Ridge has not codified this specific provision, these situations
are regularly addressed under the authority granted by the State of Colorado. As with
the prior recommendation, Staff suggests codifying this regulation at the local level to
enhance local control and provide officers with a clear, city-specific legal framework to address these issues.
Staff Recommendation:
Codify allowing officers with reasonable cause to enter a private vehicle or property to
address the unsafe keeping of animals.
Sec. 4-14 – Exotic or Wild Animals
ITEM I: 4-14(b) Exceptions.
Currently, it is illegal to possess, harbor, sell, or in any other manner traffic in any exotic
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 5
or wild animals. The code narrowly defines which animals are considered domestic and
broadly classifies all others as exotic, thereby prohibiting them. However, the code allows
the Chief of Police to grant renewable one-year exceptions to this prohibition. To date, this exception has been rarely used. Although, Staff expects the City will receive more
exemption requests in the future. Therefore, Staff recommends updating the code to
improve its flexibility, implement a one-time application fee, and clarify administrative
procedures. The proposed language is as follows:
“The chief of police may grant exceptions to this section for successive periods of time
not to exceed twelve (12) months. Applications for an exception must be submitted on forms prescribed by the chief of police and filed with their office. The applicant is
responsible for an application fee, as determined by the Council and set by resolution.
The chief of police has the discretion to impose reasonable conditions on any granted
exception.”
As part of this update, Staff would recommend implementing a one-time $50 fee to apply
for an exception which is designed to help cover the cost of reviewing the application.
The renewal process is expected to require much less work from Staff; therefore, an
annual renewal fee is not recommended. This fee would be added to the fee schedule
and adopted through the City Council’s budget process.
Staff Recommendation:
Amend the Chief’s exemption process as recommended by Staff.
ITEM J: 4-14(d) Specific Animals Enumerated
The City of Wheat Ridge classifies the following as domestic animals:
• Aquarium fish
• Psittacine birds, aviary finches, and farm birds (ducks, geese, swans, poultry)
• Domestic rabbits
• Mongolian gerbils
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters
• Domestic laboratory mice
• Domestic laboratory rats
• Domestic cats
• Domestic dogs
• Domestic livestock, including but not limited to: horses, cattle, sheep, goats, mules,
donkeys, burros, llamas, honeybees, and swine (excluding potbellied pigs)
All other animals are classified as exotic and are therefore unlawful to own, possess,
harbor, sell, or otherwise traffic unless an exception is requested and granted by the Chief
of Police. As currently written, the City’s animal code unintentionally prohibits the
ownership of all reptiles, amphibians, and insects. This appears to be an unintended
consequence of the code’s structure, which bans all animals by default unless they are
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 6
specifically listed as allowed. Through research, Staff found that most cities take the
opposite approach of permitting animal ownership broadly, while specifically banning
only certain high-risk species.
Staff do not believe there are inherent health or safety concerns with owning most
reptiles, amphibians, or insects. Therefore, Staff recommends amending the code to
allow their possession, while continuing to prohibit a smaller, clearly defined subset of
these animal classes that may pose a threat to public safety. As a result, the following
language, developed after reviewing the animal codes of nearby municipalities, is
recommended to be added to the above list of permitted animals:
• Non-venomous or poisonous reptiles, amphibians, and insects shall be allowed,
except for the following:
o Snakes that are longer than six (6) feet.
o Crocodilians, including but not limited to alligators, caimans, and
crocodiles.
o Monitor lizards and tegu lizards.
o Any animals that have been classified as a dangerous or hazardous
species under state or federal law.
Currently, and under this amendment, individuals or businesses that possess prohibited
animals are encouraged to seek formal approval through the Chief’s exemption process,
which provides a legal path to their continued ownership.
Staff Recommendation: Amend the list of domestic animals to include reptiles, amphibians, and insects with
restrictions as recommended by Staff.
Sec. 4-17. Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Dog.
ITEM K: (a) & (b) Vicious Animal Defenses It is unlawful for a dog owner to keep, harbor, or possess a dangerous dog or vicious
animal in the City. If cited as a dangerous dog, the owner may present an affirmative
defense during their court hearing, arguing that the specific circumstances excuse the
dog’s behavior. The code provides affirmative defenses for animals accused of being
dangerous dogs. However, it does not offer similar defenses for vicious animals, a designation that applies to other animals accused of comparable behavior.
To address this issue, Staff recommends expanding the affirmative defenses for
dangerous dogs to include vicious animals, ensuring consistency and fairness between
these classifications. This approach aligns with the City of Lakewood’s animal code. The recommended defenses, which would be broadened to include vicious animals, are
outlined below:
(1) That, at the time of the attack by the dangerous dog which caused injury to or
the death of a domestic animal:
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 7
a. The domestic animal was at large, and entered upon the property of the
owner and the attack began, but did not necessarily end upon such
property; or
b. The domestic animal was biting or otherwise attacking the dangerous dog
or its owner.
(2) That, at the time of the attack by the dangerous dog, which caused injury to a
person, the victim of the attack was:
a. Committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against the dog
owner, and the attack did not occur on the owner's property; or
b. Committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense against a person
on the owner's property or the property itself and the attack began, but did
not necessarily end, upon such property; or
c. Tormenting, provoking, abusing or inflicting injury upon the dog in such an extreme manner that the attack was a result of the victim's actions.
Staff Recommendation:
Expand the affirmative defenses for dangerous dogs to apply to vicious animals.
ITEM L: 4-17(e)(3) Childproof Structures for Dangerous Dogs
Dangerous dogs may be kept on their owner's property, but when outdoors, they must be confined in an escape-proof enclosure. The enclosure must be securely locked with
a key or combination lock when the dog is inside. The structure must have a secure
bottom, and its sides must be embedded at least two feet into the ground.
While reviewing other municipal codes for similar enclosures intended to protect the public from dangerous animals, Staff identified an additional safety measure used by
the Cities of Lakewood and Golden that is recommended for inclusion in the Wheat
Ridge code. In addition to outlining specific technical requirements, Staff recommends
adding language that requires the enclosure to be designed to prevent accidental entry
by anyone, including children. This broader provision would help ensure the enclosure includes reasonable safety features that may not be explicitly listed, further enhancing
public safety.
Staff Recommendation:
Require outdoor enclosures for dangerous dogs to be designed to prevent accidental entry by anyone, including children.
ITEM M: 4-17(e)(9) Transfer of Dangerous Dogs
Currently, the owner of a dangerous dog may only transfer or sell the animal to their
spouse, child, parent, or sibling. This restriction can prevent the dog from being placed with a responsible non-family caretaker, which could better serve public safety. Limiting
transfers to family members is overly restrictive, as it may not always be feasible for the
owner, and even, if possible, family members may not always be the most suitable or
responsible option for the dog's care.
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 8
To address this, Staff proposes an amendment allowing dangerous dogs to be
transferred to either immediate family members or "responsible caretakers." A “responsible caretaker” would be defined as an individual approved at the reasonable
discretion of the City’s CSOs. In making this determination, CSOs would consider
factors such as the caretaker’s history with animals and the conditions of the premises
where the dog would be kept.
Alternatively, the Council may choose to remove the owner's right to transfer a
dangerous dog to immediate family members, allowing transfers only to "responsible caretakers" approved by the City’s CSOs. While this option may limit the owner's
choices, it would ensure that all recipients of a dangerous dog undergo a consistent
vetting and approval process, prioritizing public safety and responsible care.
Staff Recommendation: Expand the allowed transfer of dangerous dogs beyond the owner's immediate family to
include “responsible caretakers” approved by the City’s Community Service Officers.
Sec. 4-31. Dog and Cat Licenses.
ITEM N: 4-31(a-i) Licensing Authority The City of Wheat Ridge currently requires cats and dogs to obtain a Mile Hi Rabies Tag,
which was previously issued by the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society (DAVMS).
Following the recent merger of DAVMS with the Colorado Veterinary Medical
Association (CVMA), the Mile Hi Rabies Tag program has been expanded statewide and
is now known as the CVMA Rocky Mountain Rabies Tag program. This inconsistency may cause confusion or non-compliance among pet owners. Further adding to the
confusion, the code requires both dogs and cats to be licensed. However, in-practice,
Wheat Ridge only requires that dogs be licensed.
Staff recommend removing all references to the Mile Hi Rabies Tag and cat licensing from the code and empowering staff to designate approved licensing agencies, thus
allowing for flexibility as programs and requirements change. For reference, the Cities
of Arvada and Golden have assigned Foothills Animal Shelter as the licensing
administrator. Staff did not find any examples of other cities requiring cat licensing.
Staff Recommendation:
Remove the Mile Hi Rabies Tag, and cat licensing from the code and allow Staff to
designate licensing agencies for dogs.
Sec. 4-33. Guard Dogs. ITEM O: 4-33(1) Childproof Structures for Guard Dogs
The City of Wheat Ridge permits the use of guard dogs for the protection of people and
property. These dogs must be confined within an enclosure that is adequate to prevent
escape. In alignment with the Cities of Lakewood and Golden, and consistent with the
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 9
recommendation for enclosures housing dangerous animals, Staff recommend
clarifying that such enclosures must also include safeguards to prevent accidental entry
by anyone, including children.
Staff Recommendation:
Establish that guard dog enclosures must have safeguards in place to prevent accidental
entry by anyone, including children.
ITEM P: 4-33 Guard Dog Cease and Desist Orders (NEW)
The City of Golden authorizes its Police Department to issue a cease-and-desist order if it determines that the presence of a guard dog, or the circumstances surrounding its
use, pose a threat to any person, property, or animal. The City of Wheat Ridge does not
currently have a similar provision. As a result, if a business were to deploy a guard dog
in a manner that negatively impacts public safety, the City’s ability to intervene or
prohibit it would be limited.
Therefore, Staff recommend adding a similar provision to the City’s code, granting the
Police Department the authority to issue such orders, while also allowing property
owners the opportunity to appeal the decision through the City’s administrative hearing
appeals process.
Staff Recommendation:
Establish that the Wheat Ridge Police Department may issue a cease-and-desist order to
a property owner who places guard dogs on their property, with the order subject to the
administrative hearing appeals process.
Sec. 4-34. Kennel Licenses.
ITEM Q: 4-34(a) Inspection of Licensed Kennel Facilities
Any business or individual engaged in the commercial breeding, buying, selling, trading,
training, or boarding of cats or dogs must obtain a kennel license from the City of Wheat Ridge. Currently, the City has the authority to inspect any licensed facility during normal
posted business hours. Staff recommend amending this policy to allow inspections at
any time when there is reasonable cause to believe the operation poses a risk to the
health and safety of animals or the public. This change aligns with the City of Arvada’s
Animal Code, which permits inspections at any time, and helps to ensure animal welfare.
Staff Recommendation:
Require inspections of licensed kennel facilities at any time when there is reasonable
cause to believe the operation poses a risk to the health and safety of animals or the
public.
Sec. 4-52. Custody and Disposition of Impounded Animals.
ITEM R: 4-52(e) Hearings Required for the Disposal of Animals
Animals may be seized and impounded at a City-designated animal shelter, currently the
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 10
Foothills Animal Shelter. Once impounded, the animal cannot be sold, donated, or
euthanized until five days after the animal owner has been notified of the impoundment.
Foothills Animal Shelter's requirements exceed those outlined in the code, as they will not
sell, donate, or euthanize any animal without a signed order from a judge, except to
euthanize an animal that is critically ill, severely injured, or suffering extreme pain. Staff
recommend codifying this practice to ensure transparency and consistency, making it
clear that no animal can be sold, donated, or euthanized, unless it qualifies for an
exception, without a judge's order.
Staff Recommendation:
Establish that no impounded animal may be sold, donated, or euthanized without a signed
order from a judge, with exception for ill, injured, or suffering animals.
ITEM S: 4-52(f) Court-Ordered Animal Holds (NEW) Historically, the Wheat Ridge Municipal Court has exercised the authority to place animals
suspected of neglect, or those seized or impounded due to cruelty, inhumane conditions,
designation as a dangerous or aggressive dog, or being a service animal, in custody
pending the resolution of their case. However, this authority is not explicitly defined in the
municipal code. Following the onboarding of a new municipal judge, who holds a different interpretation of their authority to exercise such powers, this practice has been paused
unless formally codified.
Staff recommend formalizing this procedure to ensure that potentially dangerous or
victimized animals may be withheld from their owners, at the discretion of the municipal judge, until the case is resolved.
Staff Recommendation:
Establish the municipal court's authority to place certain animals in custody pending the resolution of their or their owner’s case.
ITEM T: Regulating the Sale of Animals in Public Spaces (NEW)
HB25-1180, Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces, has passed the Colorado
General Assembly and is anticipated to become law. This bill aims to prohibit the sale of animals in public spaces such as streets, highways, rights-of-way, parkways, median
strips, parks, recreation areas, outdoor markets, parking lots, and more. However, the bill
provides an exemption for municipalities that regulate the sale or transfer of pet animals
in public spaces. Regardless to whether the bill is passed into law, Staff recommend
considering the sale of animals in public spaces as part of the overall update to the City’s animal code.
Currently, the City of Wheat Ridge does not allow the sale of animals or any other
commodities in public except as part of a special event registered with the Parks and
Recreation Department. These activities are defined as peddling and regulated by
Study Session Memo – Animal Code Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 11
Chapter 11 Article IX of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws.
Staff recommend an approach to the sale of animals both in public spaces and in general that honors Wheat Ridge’s history as an agricultural community while balancing concerns
for animal welfare, public safety, and community standards. To strike this balance, Staff
recommend prohibiting the sale or display of live animals in public spaces, including
roadsides, parking lots, parks, medians, sidewalks, and special events like outdoor or
farmer’s markets.
However, the City would continue to allow the sale of animals on private property or during agricultural livestock events, provided that:
• No roadside signs are used to advertise the sale.
• Sellers follow basic care and humane treatment standards, including:
o Clean and secure enclosures,
o Access to food and water, and;
o Protection from weather and temperature extremes
• The sale of animals that are too young to survive without maternal care, or that are
sick, injured, or malnourished, would be prohibited.
This approach aligns with other municipalities, such as the City of Fort Collins and
Colorado Springs, which prohibit the sale of animals in most public spaces while allowing
similar exceptions.
As part of this research, Staff also noted a related trend: several Front Range cities
including Fort Collins, Littleton, Windsor, and Greeley have recently banned the sale of
dogs and cats in pet stores. These cities only allow adoptions or transfers through
PACFA-licensed organizations such as humane societies, animal shelters, rescue groups,
or other nonprofit entities. While Staff is not recommending this course of action for the City of Wheat Ridge, Staff felt it was important to share this regional context to help
further inform the conversation.
Staff Recommendation:
Prohibit the sale of animals in public spaces, with exceptions allowing such sales at
agricultural livestock events or on private property, provided the animals are kept in a humane manner, as recommended by Staff.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff is asking for consensus to move forward with the recommended animal control
code amendments.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff recommendation summary sheet
RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY:
To help guide the discussion, staff has compiled the following list of all issues and staff’s corresponding recommendations.
ITEM A: Sec. 4-8(a) Animal At-Large
Prohibit all animals from running at large, except for domestic house cats.
ITEM B: Sec. 4-8(c) Off-Leash Dog Park Regulations
Amend the code to relocate off-leash dog park rules, thereby allowing them to be
addressed as civil rather than criminal violations.
ITEM C: 4-10(b) Owners Required to Report Bites
Amend the code to specify that confinement is required for any bite that causes a
wound breaking the skin, and that the owner of the animal inflicting the bite must file an
incident report within 48 hours.
ITEM D: 4-10(e) Rabies Quarantine Vaccinations
Prohibit animal owners from administering a rabies vaccination to an animal under
quarantine after it has bitten a person.
ITEM E: 4-10(h) Rabies Outbreak Powers Remove the Mayor’s authority to impose regulations on animals during a rabies
outbreak emergency.
ITEM F: 4-11 Unsafe Transport of Animals (NEW)
Prohibit the unsafe transportation of animals as recommended by staff.
ITEM G: 4-11 Animals Exposed to Extreme Temperatures in Vehicles (NEW)
Codify a prohibition on leaving animals in conditions that expose it to extreme
temperatures or any other circumstances that endanger their health or wellbeing.
ITEM H: 4-11 Unsafe Keeping of Animals (NEW)
Codify allowing officers with reasonable cause to enter a private vehicle or property to
address the unsafe keeping of animals.
ITEM I: 4-14(b) Exceptions.
Amend the Chief’s exemption process as recommended by Staff.
ITEM J: 4-14(d) Specific Animals Enumerated Amend the list of domestic animals to include reptiles, amphibians, and insects with
restrictions as recommended by Staff.
ATTACHMENT 1
ITEM K: (a) & (b) Vicious Animal Defenses
Expand the affirmative defenses for dangerous dogs to apply to vicious animals.
ITEM L: 4-17(e)(3) Childproof Structures for Dangerous Dogs
Require outdoor enclosures for dangerous dogs to be designed to prevent accidental
entry by anyone, including children.
ITEM M: 4-17(e)(9) Transfer of Dangerous Dogs Expand the allowed transfer of dangerous dogs beyond the owner's immediate family to
include “responsible caretakers” approved by the City’s Community Service Officers.
ITEM N: 4-31(a-i) Licensing Authority Remove the Mile Hi Rabies Tag, and cat licensing from the code and allow Staff to
designate licensing agencies for dogs.
ITEM O: 4-33(1) Childproof Structures for Guard Dogs
Establish that guard dog enclosures must have safeguards in place to prevent accidental entry by anyone, including children.
ITEM P: 4-33 Guard Dog Cease and Desist Orders (NEW)
Establish that the Wheat Ridge Police Department may issue a cease-and-desist order to
a property owner who places guard dogs on their property, with the order subject to the administrative hearing appeals process.
ITEM Q: 4-34(a) Inspection of Licensed Kennel Facilities
Require inspections of licensed kennel facilities at any time when there is reasonable
cause to believe the operation poses a risk to the health and safety of animals or the
public.
ITEM R: 4-52(e) Hearings Required for the Disposal of Animals
Establish that no impounded animal may be sold, donated, or euthanized without a signed
order from a judge, with exception for ill, injured, or suffering animals.
ITEM S: 4-52(f) Court-Ordered Animal Holds (NEW) Establish the municipal court's authority to place certain animals in custody pending the
resolution of their or their owner’s case.
ITEM T: Regulating the Sale of Animals in Public Spaces (NEW)
Prohibit the sale of animals in public spaces, with exceptions allowing such sales at agricultural livestock events or on private property, provided the animals are kept in a
humane manner, as recommended by Staff.
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
Marianne Schilling, Assistant City Manager
Steve Art, Economic Development Manager
FROM: Cole Haselip, Management Analyst
DATE: June 2, 2025
SUBJECT: Social Club Amendments
ISSUE:
In response to a request from Swiss Flower and Gifts, Staff proposes changes to the
City’s Social Club License to allow low-impact social club activities and to exempt them
from the standard application process, associated fees, and various social club regulations.
PRIOR ACTION:
None.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
A social club is a private business that leases space to individuals for private events,
such as parties or fundraisers. By definition, social clubs do not include liquor-licensed establishments, private clubs or lodges, hotels, public or private schools, colleges or
universities, churches, or nightclubs. The key distinction between a social club and a
nightclub, though they may appear to host similar activities, is that a social club license allows a business owner to rent out their space for others to host events, whereas
nightclubs organize and host their own events.
Currently, in addition to a business license, all social clubs in Wheat Ridge are required
to obtain a social club license, which costs a $500 initial license fee, a $150 application processing fee, and an additional investigation fee for each individual is reviewed by the
police department as a registered manager. Once licensed, clubs must also pay a $250 annual renewal fee. These costs apply uniformly, regardless of a club’s size, hours of
operation, or event scale. This structure has created barriers for smaller businesses,
ITEM NO . 2
Study Session Memo – Social Club Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 2
particularly those with limited resources and minimal community impact. To lower
these barriers, staff propose a tiered approach: exempting lower-impact social clubs
from certain regulations and eliminating their licensing fee while maintaining current licensing standards for other social clubs. This structure aims to balance community
safety, neighborhood quality of life, and support business activity.
There are two components to enacting this regulatory structure. First, staff propose a
definition for low-impact social clubs. Second, staff recommend specific regulations
and exemptions that would apply to clubs falling under this definition. While these
elements are presented separately, they are interdependent. Changes to the definition may require modifying the regulations, and vice versa. Therefore, staff recommend
discussing the two components together and moving between them as needed to
ensure they remain aligned as intended.
Defining a Low-Impact Social Club Staff recommends defining low-impact social clubs based on the following criteria,
each selected for its relevance to community impact.
• Square Footage: Smaller social clubs typically generate less noise, parking, and
traffic.
• Hours of Operation: Social clubs that close earlier are less likely to cause late-
night disturbances.
• Attendees: Social clubs with fewer attendees are less likely to generate noise,
traffic, and public safety concerns.
In consideration of these criteria, staff recommend the following definition of a low-
impact social club:
• Square Footage: 5,000 sq. ft. maximum. For reference, Council Chambers and
the Municipal Court Room combined is 5540 sq. ft.
• Hours of Operation: Must be closed from 9PM – 7AM.
• Attendees: No more than 50 attendees to an event, including any hired
professionals such as an event manager, caterer, or band.
Regulating Low-Impact Social Clubs
To promote public safety and neighborhood compatibility, social clubs are subject to a
rigorous application process, associated fees, and regulations that are more
burdensome than those applied to typical businesses. By definition, low-impact social
clubs present a lower risk to the community. Therefore, staff recommends exempting
them from the standard application process, related fees, and regulations which are
disproportionately cautious and costly.
Study Session Memo – Social Club Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 3
A comprehensive list of current application requirements and regulations is available in
the Wheat Ridge Municipal Code, Chapter 11, Article XI – Social Clubs (Attachment 1).
The following table summarizes these regulations and identifies which requirements staff recommend exempting, maintaining, or newly implementing for low-impact social
clubs.
Low-Impact Social Club Regulations
Regulation Summary of Requirements Exempt Maintain Implement
Proximity to
Residential
Areas
Social clubs may not operate within 100 feet of
residential zones (A-1, A-2, or properties used for
residential purposes). ☑
Alcohol
Restrictions
Establishments with a liquor license may not obtain a
social club license. ☑
Display of
License
Licenses must be clearly always posted and visible
on-site. ☑
Right of Entry &
Inspection
Licensees must allow routine inspections during
business hours. Refusal is a first-degree
misdemeanor. ☑
Incident
Reporting
All unlawful acts, disturbances, or assaults must be
reported to the Wheat Ridge Police Department. A
city-issued warning sign must be posted. Licensees
can be held liable even if not present. Violations may
lead to criminal charges or penalties.
☑
Noise &
Vibration
Noise must not exceed a normal conversation at the
property line. Vibrations must not be perceptible off-
site. These limits are stricter than the City’s general
noise ordinance.
☑
Bi-Annual
Registration
Low-impact social clubs must submit up-to-date
information every two years (location, ownership,
contact details). No fee is required. This replaces the
licensing process.
☑
Manager
Presence
A registered manager must be on-site while the club
is operating. Unregistered managers are not
permitted. ☑
Lighting
Requirements
Off-street parking and entryways must be well-lit
from dusk to closing. ☑
Indoor Activity
Only
All activities must be indoors. Patrons must not linger
unobserved outside for more than 15 minutes. ☑
Study Session Memo – Social Club Amendments
June 2, 2025
Page 4
License
Suspension &
Revocation
Licenses may be suspended (up to six months) or
revoked for violations such as drug use, disorderly
conduct, false information, or non-payment of taxes. ☑
Appeals Process
Applicants denied or disciplined may request a quasi-
judicial hearing with the city manager, who issues a
final decision. Appeals can be made to district or
municipal court.
☑
License
Application &
Fees
A license is required. Initial fee: $500 plus a non-
refundable $150 investigation fee. Renewal: $250
annually, due at least 45 days before expiration. ☑
Security Guards
Security guards must always be present. One guard
per 100 patrons is required. They must monitor
behavior to ensure compliance. ☑
Hours of
Operation
Clubs may not operate or allow patron access
between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Low-impact clubs
cannot operate from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. by
definition.
☑
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends implementing the proposed definition and regulations for low-impact
social clubs to encourage small business activity while preserving neighborhood quality
of life and public safety.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Wheat Ridge Municipal Code, Chapter 11, Article XI – Social Clubs
ATTACHMENT 1