Vacant Lot Maintenance: Boulder vs Longmont
How do vacant lot maintenance rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property including regular mowing, weed control, trash removal, and securing the site against trespass.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
Longmont applies its property maintenance code uniformly to vacant and occupied lots. Under LMC Chapter 9.32, weeds and grasses on any lot may not exceed 12 inches in height, and accumulated trash, dumped materials, or debris must be removed (LMC Chapter 6.44). The city may abate non-compliant vacant lots and bill the owner; civil penalties run $100 / $200 / $500.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Limit | 8 to 12 inches typically | - |
| Trash | Must be removed | - |
| Registration | May be required | - |
| Abatement | City bills owner | City contractor; full cost billed to owner |
| Weed Height Limit | - | 12 inches (LMC Chapter 9.32) |
| Debris Storage | - | Prohibited outdoors (LMC Chapter 6.44) |
| State Weed Law | - | Colorado Noxious Weed Act, Title 35 Article 5.5 C.R.S. |
| Civil Penalty | - | $100 / $200 / $500 |
| Applies To | - | All land within city limits, including city-owned |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
Who is responsible for maintaining a vacant lot?
The property owner is responsible for all maintenance including mowing, weed control, and trash removal in Boulder.
Can the city mow my vacant lot and charge me?
Yes. After notice, Boulder may abate the condition and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Longmont FAQ
Who is responsible for maintaining a vacant lot in Longmont?
The property owner. LMC Chapter 9.32 (weeds 12-inch max) and LMC Chapter 6.44 (no outdoor debris accumulation) apply identically to vacant and occupied lots. If the owner fails to comply, the City abates the property through a contractor and bills the owner.
What's the maximum weed height on a vacant lot in Longmont?
12 inches. Anything taller violates the city's weed ordinance (LMC Chapter 9.32) and triggers a Notice of Violation, followed by a $100 civil penalty (first offense) and potential city-contracted mowing billed back to the owner. Colorado state law also requires control of designated noxious weeds.
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