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Landscaping Rules

Landscaping Rules in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Artificial Turf

Aurora allows artificial turf on residential and commercial property with limits: typically no more than 25-50 percent of front yard landscape area and required permeable base and drainage.

Key details: Front yard cap: Up to 50 percent (residential). Base: Permeable required. Pile height: Typically 1.5 in minimum. Living plants: Still required. Authority: UDO landscape standards.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/planning_and_development/unified_development_ordinance) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Grass Height Limits

Aurora City Code limits weeds and grass to 6 inches or less on developed residential and commercial lots. Overgrowth is a nuisance subject to notice, abatement, and cost recovery by Neighborhood Services.

Key details: Maximum height: 6 inches. Authority: Aurora City Code Chapter 94. Enforcement: Neighborhood Services. Compliance window: 7-10 days after notice. Non-compliance: City abatement plus lien.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/neighborhood_services/code_enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removal of trees in the public right-of-way requires a permit from the Aurora City Forester. Private yard trees generally do not require a permit unless part of a landscape plan or EAB quarantine.

Key details: Permit required: Public ROW and city trees. Private yard trees: Generally no permit. Authority: Aurora City Forester. EAB quarantine: Ash wood handling restricted. Replacement: Often required for ROW removals.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/parks_and_open_space/forestry) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Native Plants

Aurora encourages native and xeric landscaping and requires that at least 60 percent of non-turf landscape area on new development use low-water plants from the city's approved plant list.

Key details: Native/xeric minimum: 60 percent of non-turf area. Authority: UDO Article 146. Plant list: Aurora Water Approved List. Turf cap: ~40-45 percent residential. HOA protection: CRS 37-60-126.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/water/water_conservation/water_efficient_landscape) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Rainwater Harvesting

Colorado HB 16-1005 allows Aurora residents to collect rooftop rainwater in up to two rain barrels with a combined maximum of 110 gallons, used only on the property of origin for outdoor purposes.

Key details: State law: CO HB 16-1005, CRS 37-96.5-103. Max barrels: 2. Max capacity: 110 gallons combined. Use: Outdoor, on-site only. Permit: None for compliant residential.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://dwr.colorado.gov/services/water-administration/rainwater-collection) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The rules around rainwater harvesting in Aurora lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Weed Ordinances

Aurora prohibits noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation over 6 inches on developed properties. State-listed noxious weeds must be controlled under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.

Key details: Height limit: 6 inches (developed lots). State law: Colorado Noxious Weed Act, CRS 35-5.5. List A weeds: Must eradicate. Compliance window: 10-15 days after notice. Enforcement: Neighborhood Services plus county.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/noxious-weeds) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Tree Trimming

Aurora requires property owners to keep trees pruned to provide 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. The City Forester enforces standards and manages public right-of-way trees.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street clearance: 14 feet minimum. Authority: Aurora City Code Ch. 130. Standard: ANSI A300. Contractor: Licensed arborist for ROW work.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/parks_and_open_space/forestry) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Water Restrictions

Aurora Water enforces year-round watering rules: no outdoor watering 10am-6pm, up to 3 days per week in summer, none November through April. Drought stages can tighten this to 1 day per week or less.

Key details: Watering hours: No 10am-6pm, May-Sep. Days per week: Up to 3 (assigned). Winter: No outdoor watering Nov 1 - Apr 30. Fines: $50 / $250 / up to $1,000. Turf rebate: CO HB 22-1151 funded.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/water/water_conservation) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's landscaping 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.

All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.