Landscaping Rules in Centennial, CO

If you live in Centennial or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Centennial has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Artificial Turf

Centennial limits artificial turf to civic, community, and recreational spaces like playgrounds, sports fields, and dog-relief areas; single-family homes and ADUs are exempt from the turf standards entirely.

Key details: Allowed uses: Playgrounds, sports fields, dog areas. Home exemption: Single-family & ADU lots exempt. Common areas: Not exempt in SF developments. Governing law: LDC § 12-8-301.C.

Installing artificial turf outside the permitted civic or recreational uses, such as a decorative lawn substitute on a commercial or multifamily site, violates Centennial's landscaping standards enforced during development review.

Weed Ordinances

Centennial caps weeds and grass at eight inches; violators get a written notice and seven days to cut before the City mows and bills the property owner.

Key details: Max height: 8 inches. Notice period: 7 days to comply. City inspection fee: 5% of cost. Unpaid collection penalty: 10% via County Treasurer. Exempt land: AG-zoned & 200+ acre lots.

Failing to cut weeds or grass below eight inches within seven days of a written notice lets the City mow the lot and bill the owner, plus a five percent inspection fee and a lien if unpaid.

Tree Trimming

Centennial bans tree branches and other landscape material from hanging within 8 feet of sidewalks or 15 feet over streets used by vehicles.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 8 vertical feet minimum. Street clearance: 15 vertical feet minimum. Governing section: § 7-2-60(c)(2). Applies to: Trees, branches, all landscape material.

A Code Enforcement Official can cite the property owner and require the tree trimmed back; the encroachment is enforced as a public nuisance under Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Centennial prohibits cutting, filling, or storing materials within the protected root zone of trees credited toward landscaping requirements during construction, though the LDC stops short of a general tree-removal permit for private property.

Key details: Protected root zone: Dripline or 18 in./inch DBH. Barricade required: Posted "Off Limits" during construction. Prohibited acts: Cutting, filling, storage, paving. Applies to: Trees credited toward landscaping. Governing law: LDC § 12-8-603.C.

Cutting, filling, or paving inside a protected tree's root zone during development voids the tree's landscaping credit and can trigger stop-work action under the LDC's construction standards.

The Bottom Line

Centennial'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 Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Centennial can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.