Greeley's Invasive Plant Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles invasive plant rules a little differently. In Greeley, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Front Yard Gardens

Greeley's weed ordinance excludes cultivated agricultural, herbal, ornamental and xeriscape vegetation from the legal definition of a "weed," and lets landowners seek a formal variance for personal-consumption garden plants, though noxious, invasive species are never eligible for any variance.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 12-606. Garden plants: excluded from "weed" definition. Personal-consumption variance: available for plants over 12 inches. Noxious weeds: never eligible for a variance. Variance review: by commission within 30 days.

Cultivating a city- or state-designated noxious/invasive weed, even for personal use, draws a notice of violation, mandatory removal, a $50.00 fee plus 20 percent, and Chapter 10, Title 1 penalties if uncorrected.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Greeley gives residents more flexibility on front yard gardens.

Prohibited Species

Greeley bans growing, selling, offering or knowingly allowing any noxious weed on its designated list, and the city can enter property to eradicate infestations and bill the owner for the cost.

Key details: Prohibited: growing or selling any noxious weed. Plan kept at: Community Development Dept & City Clerk. Update requires: public hearing, 30 days' notice. Removal cost: full cost plus $50 + 20%. Recovery: lien against the property.

Noncompliance after a seven-day notice lets the city eradicate the weeds itself and bill the owner the full cost plus $50 and a 20 percent surcharge, recoverable as a lien on the property.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Greeley actively enforces its prohibited species requirements.

The Bottom Line

Greeley'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 Greeley is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Greeley's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.