How Fort Collins Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Fort Collins maintains 111 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fort Collins falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Grass Height Limits

Fort Collins enforces maximum grass and weed height. Overgrown properties subject to code compliance action and city abatement at owner’s expense.

Key details: Max Height: 6 to 12 inches typical. Notice: 10-day compliance. Abatement: City lien if not mowed. HOA: Often stricter.

Notice to abate. City mowing at owner’s expense ($200 to $500+). Administrative fees. Property lien.

Tree Trimming

Fort Collins may protect certain tree species. Street trees are city property. Heritage trees may require permits for removal.

Key details: Protected Trees: Permit for removal. Street Trees: City property. Overhanging: Trim to property line. Bark Beetle: Mountain community concern.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $500 to $10,000+ per tree. Replacement planting may be required.

Rainwater Harvesting

Fort Collins rainwater collection is limited by Colorado law. HB 16-1005 allows up to two 55-gallon barrels (110 gallons) per household for outdoor use only.

Key details: Limit: Two 55-gallon barrels max. Use: Outdoor irrigation only. State Law: HB 16-1005 (2016). Commercial: Water right required.

Exceeding 110-gallon limit: water law violation. Commercial collection without permit: subject to water court action. Fines vary.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fort Collins actively enforces its rainwater harvesting requirements.

Water Restrictions

Fort Collins enforces water conservation under local water provider rules. Watering days designated. CRS §37-60-126 protects xeriscaping from HOA bans.

Key details: Watering Days: 2 to 3 per week typical. Hours: Before 10 AM / after 6 PM. Xeriscaping: HOAs cannot ban (CRS). Drought: Staged restrictions.

Water waste: warning, then fines $50 to $500. Drought stage violations: escalating fines. Water surcharges possible.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Fort Collins regulates tree removal on private property through permits and size thresholds. Street trees are city-managed and cannot be removed by residents.

Key details: Permit Threshold: 6 to 12 inch trunk diameter. Street Trees: City-managed only. Replacement: Required for removed trees. Hazardous Trees: Expedited process.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Artificial Turf

Fort Collins generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.

Key details: Permits: Usually not required. Drainage: Proper base required. HOA: Cannot ban in many states. Heat: Can reach 150F+ in sun.

Generally no penalties for installation. Non-compliant drainage may require correction. HOA fines may be unenforceable where state law protects turf rights.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fort Collins gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Weed Ordinances

Fort Collins enforces weed abatement for fire prevention and neighborhood maintenance. Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS §35-5.5-101) applies statewide.

Key details: Authority: City + county weed board. State Law: CRS §35-5.5-101. Vacant Lots: Annual notices. Cost: Owner pays abatement.

Notice to abate. City clears at owner’s expense ($200 to $1,000+). Administrative fee + property lien.

Native Plants

Fort Collins may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.

Key details: Xeriscaping: Encouraged or required. HOA: Cannot ban in many states. Rebates: May be available. Invasive Species: Removal may be required.

Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fort Collins gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fort Collins gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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