Englewood's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Englewood, Colorado, there are 4 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.

Water Restrictions

Englewood's Utilities Department encourages voluntary three-day-per-week watering restrictions aligned with Denver Water guidelines. Water only before 10 AM and after 6 PM. Colorado SB24-005 bans nonfunctional turf on commercial/HOA properties. CRS §37-60-126 protects xeriscape from HOA bans.

Key details: Watering: 3 days/week voluntary. Time Window: Before 10 AM, after 6 PM. HOA Protection: CRS §37-60-126 protects xeriscape. Commercial: SB24-005 nonfunctional turf ban.

Englewood encourages voluntary compliance. Water waste: potential utility surcharges. SB24-005 violations for commercial properties.

Compared to other cities, Englewood takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Englewood does not have a citywide tree removal permit for private property. Property owners may generally remove trees on their own land. Trees in the public right-of-way require city authorization. HOA covenants may restrict removal.

Key details: Private Trees: No citywide permit needed. ROW Trees: City authorization required. Development: UDC standards apply. HOA Rules: May restrict removal.

Removing ROW trees without authorization: liability. Non-compliance with development landscaping: building code violation.

Grass Height Limits

Englewood enforces property maintenance standards through Code Compliance. Overgrown grass, weeds, and vegetation are code violations. The city strives for voluntary compliance through education before escalating to formal enforcement.

Key details: Enforcement: Code Compliance Division. Approach: Education first, then enforcement. Abatement: City may mow and bill. Report: Online service request.

Overgrown vegetation: code violation. City may abate and bill owner.

Tree Trimming

Englewood property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property to prevent obstruction of sidewalks, streets, and sightlines. Trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city.

Key details: Owner Duty: Maintain trees on property. ROW Trees: City managed. ROW Permit: Required for ROW work. Enforcement: Code Compliance.

Trees obstructing public ways: Code Compliance may require trimming. ROW work without permit: violation.

The Bottom Line

Englewood'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 Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Englewood'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.