Landscaping Rules in Longmont, CO (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Longmont, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Longmont Code Enforcement enforces a 12-inch maximum height for weeds and grass on private property. The rule is administered by the Code Enforcement Office (303-651-8695) under the City's nuisance and weed-control authority and applies to all land within city limits, including city-owned land.
Longmont Weed and Grass Height Limit (12 inches)
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Pruning of city-owned trees and trees in the public right-of-way requires a permit from Longmont Forestry Services and must be performed by a City of Longmont Licensed Tree Contractor under LMC Chapter 6.88. Work must follow ANSI A300 standards and ISA Best Management Practices.
Longmont Tree Pruning Rules (LMC Chapter 13.24 & 6.88)
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removal of a healthy, high-value tree on City property or in the public ROW requires a Forestry Services permit and triggers appraisal and mitigation under LMC 13.24.110. The City Forester sets the appraised value, and equivalent replacement value must be paid or planted. Stump grinding is required with every approved removal.
Longmont Tree Removal Rules (LMC 13.24.110 Tree Protection)
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Longmont follows the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS 35-5.5) and the city's Integrated Weed Management Plan. The state's 98-species Noxious Weed List includes 25 species (List A) requiring complete eradication. Locally, weeds and grasses on private property cannot exceed 12 inches per Longmont Code Enforcement.
Longmont Weed Control — Colorado Noxious Weed Act + 12-inch Rule
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
As of 2026 Longmont is at a Mild Drought Response Level (Drought Watch) with no mandatory restrictions and no assigned watering days. The City recommends no more than two watering days per week and no irrigation before May 1. An updated 'waste of water' ordinance under LMC Chapter 14.04 took effect in May 2026.
Longmont Outdoor Watering — Drought Watch + LMC 14.04 Waste of Water
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Longmont has no separate local rainwater ordinance. State law (Colorado HB 16-1005, codified at CRS 37-96.5-103) allows residents of single-family homes and multifamily buildings of four units or fewer to collect rainwater from their roof in a maximum of two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons. Water must be used on the same property for outdoor uses only.
Rainwater Harvesting in Longmont (Colorado HB 16-1005)
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Effective January 1, 2026, LMC Section 15.05.040 requires drought-tolerant vegetation or native ground cover to be the primary ground cover in landscaped areas, replacing the prior requirement that irrigated turf grass be primary. Decorative (non-functional) turf is now banned in tree lawns, medians, parking-lot strips and transportation corridors.
Longmont Native & Drought-Tolerant Landscaping (LMC 15.05.040)
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Longmont's updated LMC 15.05.040 (effective January 1, 2026) bans artificial turf as a 'non-functional turf' replacement in tree lawns, medians, parking-lot strips, and transportation corridors. Elsewhere on private property, artificial turf is allowed, but Colorado HB 21-1229 prevents HOAs from blocking drought-tolerant landscaping while still permitting HOA regulation of non-vegetative materials.
Longmont Artificial Turf Rules — Banned in Non-Functional Areas
Some RestrictionsLooking for Boulder County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Longmont city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Boulder County →