Native Plants: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do native plants rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs have similar restriction levels.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs encourages native-plant landscaping through Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise rebates, typically 1 to 2 dollars per square foot of turf converted to xeriscape with native species. HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscape under Colorado's HOA xeriscape law (CRS 38-33.3-106.5), which mandates HOA approval of water-efficient landscaping using drought-tolerant plants including native species.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
El Paso County encourages xeriscaping and native plant landscaping for water conservation in Colorado's semi-arid Front Range climate. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 bar HOAs from prohibiting xeriscape. Rebates available through Colorado Springs Utilities.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Program | 1 to 2 dollars per sq ft turf conversion | - |
| HOA Law | CRS 38-33.3-106.5 protects xeriscape | - |
| Signature Natives | Blue grama, buffalo grass, rabbitbrush | - |
| Watering Rules | 3 days per week typical | - |
| Consultation | CSU Water Wise free | - |
| Rebates | - | CSU up to $2/sq ft turf swap |
| HOA Protection | - | HB 19-1050, SB 23-178 |
| Annual Rainfall | - | ~16 inches |
| Invasive Control | - | CO Noxious Weed Act |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Can my Colorado Springs HOA force me to keep turf grass?
No. Colorado HOA law (CRS 38-33.3-106.5) requires HOAs to permit xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscaping including native plants. HOAs can impose aesthetic standards but cannot mandate Kentucky bluegrass or similar water-intensive turf.
Does Colorado Springs pay me to replace grass with natives?
Yes. Colorado Springs Utilities Water Wise offers rebates of 1 to 2 dollars per square foot of turf converted to water-efficient landscaping with native and adapted species. Pre-approval is required.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Who enforces native plants rules in El Paso County?
El Paso County's code enforcement division is responsible for landscaping ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the El Paso County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
What are typical penalties for violating native plants rules?
Most El Paso County landscaping violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult El Paso County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.
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