Landscaping Rules in Aurora, CO (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Aurora, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Aurora, Colorado requires owners to trim trees on their lot to a clear height of 13 feet 6 inches over streets, alleys or highways and 8 feet over sidewalks.
Aurora CO Street Tree Clearance
Some RestrictionsAurora City Code § 142-74(a)
It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of a lot or open area to keep all trees upon such lot or open area trimmed to a clear height of 13 feet six inches above the surface of any public street, alley or highway, and eight feet above any public sidewalk. (b) It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of a lot or open area to correct or remove any tree upon such lot or open area, t...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance requires UDO-required trees lost to damage or disease within two years of installation to be replaced within six months at a one-inch-DBH-per-inch ratio, and requires City Forester sign-off before removing preserved existing trees on development sites.
Aurora Tree Replacement Rules for Development
Some RestrictionsAurora Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.11.1.B.1.c
Trees required to be installed by this UDO that are lost to damage or disease within two years after installation shall be replaced by the property owner within six months at a ratio of one inch of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for each inch of DBH removed. d. Shrubbery or other plantings that die within 18 months of installation shall be replaced in kind within six months. ...
Weed Ordinances
Aurora prohibits noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation over 6 inches on developed properties. State-listed noxious weeds must be controlled under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Weed Ordinances in Aurora
Some RestrictionsColorado Noxious Weed Program - Department of Agriculture
Colorado's Noxious Weed Program Noxious weeds are aggressive, non-native plants that pose a serious threat to Colorado's natural landscapes and agricultural areas. They outcompete native vegetation, reduce crop yields, contribute to soil erosion, and increase the risk of devastating wildfires. Our Noxious Weed Program is dedicated to controlling these invasive species and protecting our state's...
Water Restrictions
Aurora, Colorado doesn't fix watering days in the Code itself: schedules come from rules Aurora Water's general manager publishes under City Code § 138-188, and watering outside those rules is "waste of water" under § 138-190, punishable by warnings, escalating civil penalties, and possible service shutoff.
Aurora Lawn Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsAurora City Code § 138-190
Waste of water shall be defined as noncompliance with the city's water management plan as defined in section 138-223(b). Notwithstanding the enforcement provisions set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the general manager may order the installation of a flow restricter or the shut off of water service to a property if the general manager reasonably finds that an extreme waste of water is...
Native Plants
New development and redevelopment in Aurora, Colorado must draw at least 75% of trees and annuals, and 100% of shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and ornamental grasses, from an approved Water-wise plant list under the UDO's landscaping standards.
Native/Water-Wise Landscaping in Aurora, CO
Some RestrictionsAurora Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.1.c
At least 75 percent of all annuals and trees, and 100 percent of shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses used to landscape each site regulated by this Section shall be selected from the Water-wise Plant List in the Landscape Reference Manual; the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Facts Sheet on Xeriscaping; or other approved Water-wise, resource wise, or Xeriscape...
Artificial Turf
Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance allows artificial turf in front and back yards, but front-yard turf on single-family lots needs HOA and/or Title 32 District approval plus compliance with the residential landscape table.
Artificial Turf Rules in Aurora, CO
Some RestrictionsAurora Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.11
Artificial turf may be used in front yards to replace sod or native seed areas of single-family residential lots if approved by a homeowners' association and/or Title 32 District. Homeowners shall meet the Residential Yard Landscape Requirements per Table 4.7-3 in addition to providing artificial turf. ... Artificial turf may be used in back yards. ... Artificial turf may not be used within cur...
Looking for Arapahoe County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Aurora city rules.
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