Landscaping Rules in Arvada, CO (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Arvada, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Arvada Land Development Code § 4-6-2-2 requires developers to replace, on a caliper-inch basis, any protected tree of 2 inches or greater that is damaged beyond remedy or destroyed during development. Owners who skip replacement pay a penalty equal to the replacement cost plus 100 percent, and the City Forester and Director decide when transplanting instead of removal is feasible.
Arvada Tree Removal and Replacement Standards
Some RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code § 4-6-2-2
A.Generally. Existing healthy trees shall be incorporated into new developments to the maximum extent feasible. B.Penalty. If an Applicant fails to comply with the minimum provisions to preserve trees, the Applicant shall be required to replace each tree that is damaged beyond remedy or destroyed at the rate required in Table 4-6-2-2, Tree Preservation, Transplantation, and Removal. If an owner...
Weed Ordinances
Arvada caps weeds and dead plant growth at 12 inches on every property under Section 18-492, and bans noxious weeds like Canada thistle and leafy spurge outright. Owners, agents, or residents who let weeds grow past that height, or who let noxious weeds spread, are violating the property maintenance code and can be cited.
Arvada Weed Height Limit Ordinance
Some RestrictionsArvada City Code § 18-492 (I.P.M.C. § 302.4)
302.4. Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or dead plant growth in excess of 12 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. 302.4.1. Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any owner, agent, or resident having charge of a property to permit the growth of weeds or noxious weeds upon any property. 302.4.2. Continued. It shall be unlawful for any owner,...
Water Restrictions
Arvada bans wasting water under Sec. 102-106: no runoff from irrigation onto streets or sidewalks, no leaking sprinkler systems left unrepaired, and no watering of driveways or building exteriors. The utilities director can also set watering hours and days by rule, with fines climbing from a warning to $500 for repeat violations.
Arvada Water Waste and Irrigation Rules
Significant RestrictionsArvada City Code § 102-106
(a)Waste of water is prohibited. Waste of water is defined as the intentional or nonintentional use of water for a nonbeneficial purpose, including, but not by way of limitation: continuous application of water to any lawn, turf or sodded area resulting in pooling or the flowing of water into the drainage or storm drainage facilities, including sidewalks, gutters, or streets; failure to repair ...
Native Plants
Arvada may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Arvada Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsColorado SB 23-178
Not prohibit the use of nonvegetative turf grass in the backyard of a unit owner's property; Not unreasonably require the use of hardscape on more than 20% of the landscaping area of a unit owner's property; Allow a unit owner an option that consists of at least 80% drought-tolerant plantings; and Not prohibit vegetable gardens in the front, back, or side yard of a unit owner's property. The ac...
Artificial Turf
Arvada Land Development Code § 4-6-7-2 bars artificial turf as permanent ground cover in landscaped areas except in specific cases: backyards and side yards out of public view, approved recreational fields or clubhouse amenities, and putting greens up to 400 square feet, which are allowed even if visible from a street, sidewalk, park, or trail.
Arvada Artificial Turf Rules for Yards
Significant RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code § 4-6-7-2
B.Inorganic Ground Cover. Inorganic material such as river rock, cobble rock, gravel, artificial turf, artificial plant material, concrete, or asphalt paving may not be used as a permanent, primary ground cover within the landscaped area, except where:1.Rock is utilized as an integral part of the landscape design, and does not exceed 25 percent of the front yard and is part of an approved plan;...
Composting
Arvada exempts composting, defined as mixing shredded, decayed organic matter with dirt or earth to fertilize and condition soil, from the city's dumping and nuisance ban, unless the compost pile itself creates a foul odor or other nuisance condition.
Arvada Residential Composting Nuisance Exception
Few RestrictionsArvada City Code § 38-141(c)
(c)Composting, which shall mean the mixing of shredded and decayed organic matter with dirt or earth for the purpose of fertilizing and conditioning soil to support plant growth, shall not be deemed a violation of this section unless it creates a nuisance by means of a foul odor, or other miscellaneous condition.
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arvada city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Jefferson County →