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Invasive Plant Rules

How Aurora Handles Invasive Plant Rules: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Aurora maintains 156 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with invasive plant rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Aurora falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance bans planting Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.) anywhere in the city, alongside Russian Olive, Aspen, Tamarisk, Ash and Siberian Elm, under the landscape code's list of prohibited plant species.

Key details: Prohibited species: Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.). Citation: UDO § 146-4.7.3.B.4.a.vii. Scope: Citywide landscape standards. Enforcement: Director of Neighborhood Services. Code current through: Ord. 2026-03 (Feb. 23, 2026).

Planting a prohibited species is a UDO violation enforced by the Director of Neighborhood Services, who may issue a violation notice, stop-work order, or withhold permits; penalties follow Aurora City Code § 1-13, with each day counted separately.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Prohibited Species

Aurora's development code bans planting Russian olive, aspen, tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm and tree of heaven citywide, plus anything on the state noxious weed list.

Key details: Enforcing code: Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.4. Named bans: Russian olive, aspen, tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm, tree of heaven. Also barred: CSU-listed invasives + CO Noxious Weed List species. Applies to: New development, redevelopment, 10+ space lots. UDO current through: Ordinance 2026-03 (Feb. 23, 2026).

Landscape plans containing a listed species are rejected at plan review; installed plants must be removed and replaced before a certificate of occupancy issues.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.