How Denver Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Denver maintains 204 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Denver falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Grass Height Limits

Denver DRMC Chapter 57 requires property owners to maintain vegetation. Grass and weeds must not become a nuisance. Code enforcement responds to complaints of overgrown grass and weeds.

Key details: Code Section: DRMC Chapter 57 – Vegetation. Enforcement: Denver Code Compliance via 311. Requirement: Maintain yard free from nuisance vegetation. City Mowing: City may mow and bill owner for non-compliance.

Notice of violation issued for overgrown vegetation. Fines apply for failure to comply; city may mow and bill property owner.

Water Restrictions

Denver Water enforces mandatory outdoor watering restrictions May 1–Oct 1 yearly. Residential customers may water 2 days/week before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Stage 1 drought declared in 2025.

Key details: Restriction Season: May 1–October 1. Watering Days: 2 days/week (address-based schedule). Prohibited Hours: 10 AM–6 PM. Sprinkler Repair: Required within 10 days of discovery. 2025 Status: Stage 1 drought (20% reduction goal).

Water waste citations issued; repeat violators may face service restrictions and fines.

Tree Trimming

Denver property owners must maintain street trees in the right-of-way per DRMC §57-18. Branches over sidewalks must be trimmed to 8 feet clearance; over streets, 13.5 feet clearance.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance Required: 8 feet minimum. Street/Alley Clearance: 13.5 feet minimum. Street Tree Permit: Required from City Forester. Code Section: DRMC §57-18. Responsibility: Adjacent property owner.

Failure to maintain clearances can result in code violations and fines. Unauthorized trimming of city-owned trees is subject to penalties.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Street trees in Denver's right-of-way require a City Forester permit to remove. Private trees generally don't require a permit unless under construction. Removing protected trees without a permit incurs fines equal to tree value.

Key details: Street Tree Permit: Required – free from City Forester. Private Tree Permit: Generally not required. Construction Sites: Special tree protection rules apply. Penalty: Fine equal to tree value. Permit Source: Denver Office of the City Forester.

Fine equal to the value of the removed tree. Administrative citation or criminal charge possible for major violations.

The Bottom Line

Denver'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 Denver is broadly strict or permissive.

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