Fountain's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Fountain, 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.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Fountain does not require a permit to remove trees on private property under standard conditions. Trees in the public right-of-way or in designated open space require city approval. No heritage tree ordinance exists.

Key details: Permit Required: Generally no for private property trees. ROW Trees: City approval required. Heritage Tree Ordinance: None. Development Projects: Site plan conditions may restrict removal. Planning Dept: 719-322-2017.

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

The rules around tree removal & heritage trees in Fountain lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Grass Height Limits

Fountain enforces grass and weed height limits under nuisance provisions administered by Neighborhood Services/Code Compliance. Typical enforcement targets overgrown grass, weeds, or vegetation that constitutes a public nuisance or creates a blighted appearance.

Key details: Enforcement Standard: Overgrown grass/weeds = nuisance (typically 12" threshold). Enforcement Agency: Neighborhood Services/Code Compliance: 719-322-2000. Abatement: City may mow and charge owner after notice. Code Reference: Fountain Municipal Code nuisance provisions.

Notice to abate issued; failure to comply results in city abatement at owner's cost plus fines.

Tree Trimming

Fountain does not have a standalone tree trimming ordinance. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their land and preventing encroachment into public rights-of-way, sight lines, and utility corridors.

Key details: Private Property Trimming: No permit required — owner's responsibility. ROW Encroachment: Must be maintained to prevent blocking signs/sight lines. Street Trees: City maintained — do not trim without approval. Utility Trimming: Utility companies may trim near power lines.

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

The rules around tree trimming in Fountain lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Water Restrictions

The City of Fountain operates its own water utility (Fountain Utilities), with water sourced 70% from the Southern Delivery System and Fountain Valley Authority. Outdoor watering restrictions are set by Fountain Utilities based on supply conditions.

Key details: Water Provider: Fountain Utilities (independent of CSU). Water Sources: Southern Delivery System (70%), groundwater (30%). Recommended Hours: Before 10 AM or after 6 PM in irrigation season. Utilities Contact: Fountain Utilities: 719-322-2010. Stage Restrictions: Declared as needed based on supply conditions.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fountain gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 of the 4 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 Fountain's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.