Please do not block any residential sidewalk with cars, RVs, trailers, trucks, visiting vehicles, etc. so pedestrians can navigate the neighborhood easily and safely. Many residents and visitors enjoy using the sidewalks daily and often have difficulties navigating around a sidewalk obstruction.  It can be dangerous if they are required to walk in the street and leave the safety of the sidewalk.

City Code prohibits the blocking of sidewalks.

10.12.101: STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING IN SPECIFIED PLACES:
http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855&chapter_id=62852#s1262776

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, or in compliance with directions of a police officer or traffic control device on a sidewalk or pedestrian walking area.

Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.  

Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.  

- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. 

For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)

Other Ways to Think Outside the Lawn
- Stop erosion by covering bare ground with grass, gravel or mulch
- Direct runoff by installing swales or berms to slow waster down. Direct gutters and downspouts into green areas.
- Consider water gardens. The benefits include pollution control, flooding protection, habitat creation and water conservation
- Prevent blowing dust by covering gravel and dirt piles
- Consider a rain barrel. They divert water from our drainage systems and the water can be used to grow healthy and lush plants.

See the classes presented by the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) available to watch online at ​https://wwwwww.csu.org/Pages/classes-events.aspx.csu.org/Pages/classes-events.aspx

Under the new City rules, residents that use sprinklers and other irrigation systems to water lawns and gardens may only do so three times a week. From May 1 to Oct. 15, landscape watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Residents may still water gardens or potted plants more than three times a week if they are using a handheld hose with a nozzle, a watering can or other handheld container or a low pressure, low volume “drip irrigation” system, such as a bubbler, drip emitter, in-line tubing or soaker hose.

Water customers can apply for a permit if they must break the rules to establish new grass or plants. They can seek a water allocation plan, as well, if they need more flexibility.

The rules will also prohibit residents from using water to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios, “except when cleaning with water is necessary for public health or safety reasons or when other cleaning methods are impractical or inappropriate.” Utilities customers will be barred from allowing water that’s meant for irrigation to pool on paved surfaces or accumulate in gutters and drains.

Those who break Utilities new Water-Wise Rules will be subject to a range of penalties. First-time violators will be issued a written warning, and any subsequent violations within a year will result in Utilities adding an additional $100 charge to that customers’ water bill.

Learn more and see the The Integrated Water Resource Plan at www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx

Read the Gazette article at gazette.com/life/new-lawn-watering-limits-coming-in-colorado-springs/article_6ad833b6-2378-11ea-a862-9b700d281858.html

Learn about what is happening to Colorado Springs during winter storms and see lots of tips on how to prepare, stay safe, and do your part at https://www.coloradosprings.gov/winterweather

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