Weed Ordinances: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do weed ordinances 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 requires property owners to control noxious weeds and maintain grass and weeds under 12 inches tall in developed areas under City Code Chapter 9 Article 2. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS 35-5.5) designates List A, B, and C species that must be eradicated or controlled regardless of city rules, including musk thistle, leafy spurge, knapweeds, and myrtle spurge.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
El Paso County enforces weed abatement under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. §35-5.5-101) through the El Paso County Noxious Weed Advisory Board. The county manages 70+ listed species including Canada thistle, leafy spurge, and cheatgrass — a major wildfire fuel after Black Forest Fire. Annual notices sent to vacant lot owners.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Height Limit | 12 inches for grass and weeds | - |
| State Law | CRS 35-5.5 Noxious Weed Act | C.R.S. §35-5.5-101 |
| List A Species | Must be eradicated | - |
| Xeriscape Exempt | If intentional design | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement plus county weed program | - |
| Authority | - | EPC Weed Advisory Board |
| Key Species | - | Cheatgrass, Canada thistle |
| CS Limit | - | Grass under 6 inches |
| Context | - | Fire-fuel reduction |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Is my Colorado Springs xeriscape garden subject to weed mowing rules?
Intentional xeriscape and native-plant gardens are exempt from the 12-inch rule when the landscape is clearly designed and maintained. Unmaintained yards that have gone to cheatgrass and tumbleweeds do not qualify.
What are List A noxious weeds I must remove?
In Colorado the highest-priority List A species include myrtle spurge, cypress spurge, mediterranean sage, and purple loosestrife. Eradication is mandatory under CRS 35-5.5 regardless of lot condition.
Manitou Springs FAQ
What are the worst weeds to control in El Paso County?
Cheatgrass (a fire-fuel annual), Canada thistle, leafy spurge, diffuse knapweed, and musk thistle top the enforcement list. Cheatgrass is especially targeted in Black Forest and the Waldo Canyon burn scar because it cures to tinder by early summer.
Will the county really mow my vacant lot?
Yes. If you ignore the 30-day abatement notice, El Paso County Community Services contracts a mower and bills you plus a 15% administrative fee. Unpaid charges become a property lien collected with your property taxes.
Compare other topics
See how Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool