8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Arapahoe County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Arapahoe County enforces weed control on unincorporated lands under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. The county manages noxious weeds on public land and educates landowners on compliance. Property owners are legally responsible for controlling noxious weeds.
Arapahoe County updated its landscape regulations in November 2024 with tree preservation requirements in LDC Chapter 4-1.3. Regulations include tree survey requirements and rules for removal, replacement, and protection of trees during development.
Arapahoe County LDC Chapter 4-1.3 includes tree preservation rules for development projects in unincorporated areas. Tree surveys and replacement requirements apply during development. Russian olive trees are noxious weeds that should be removed under state law.
Arapahoe County Weed Control enforces the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. §35-5.5-101) through its Weed Advisory Board. Property owners must abate listed noxious weeds and keep vegetation under 12 inches. Front Range wildfire concerns drive summer enforcement, especially after the Marshall Fire.
Arapahoe County's updated landscape regulations account for existing water resources. Colorado CRS 37-60-126 prevents HOAs from prohibiting xeriscape landscaping. Water restrictions are primarily set by individual water districts serving unincorporated areas.
Colorado HB 16-1005 legalized limited residential rainwater harvesting statewide. Arapahoe County residents may collect up to 110 gallons in max two barrels, outdoor irrigation use only. Prior Appropriation Doctrine still governs—commercial or larger collection requires water right. Cherry Creek watershed adds protections.
Arapahoe County encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 prohibit HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Resource Central and Denver Water rebates up to $3 per sq ft apply for lawn replacement in participating service areas.
Colorado SB23-178 — Water-wise Landscaping In HOA Communities
Under current law, a unit owners' association (association) of a common interest community may not prohibit the use of xeriscape, nonvegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes to provide ground covering to property for which a unit owner is responsible. There is, however, an exception authorizing an association to adopt and enforce design or aesthetic guidelines or rules t...
Unincorporated Arapahoe County permits artificial turf on residential property without a permit when installed at grade. Colorado HB 19-1050 protects artificial turf as a drought-tolerant landscape. HOAs cannot ban it outright but may impose reasonable aesthetic rules.
Colorado HB19-1050 — Encourage Use Of Xeriscape In Common Areas
Water conservation - use of xeriscape and other drought-tolerant landscaping - common interest communities - special districts. Section 1 of the act augments an existing law that establishes the right of unit owners in common interest communities to use water-efficient landscaping, subject to reasonable aesthetic standards, by specifically extending the same policy to limited common elements, w...
4 cities in Arapahoe County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Trimming
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
See every category we cover for Arapahoe County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Arapahoe County Ordinance Hub →