Water Use Rules in Arapahoe County, CO (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Arapahoe County, Colorado.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Turf Replacement Rebates

Arapahoe County's Land Development Code caps turf on any new or redeveloped lot in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Kentucky bluegrass and other high-water turf needing more than 18 gallons per square foot, or 29 inches of irrigation annually, is prohibited outright unless the Planning Division approves a case-by-case exception for sports fields or high-traffic areas. Single-family lots are capped at 25 percent of yard area or 500 square feet, whichever is less.

Arapahoe County Turf Limits on New Landscaping

Some Restrictions

Arapahoe County Land Development Code § 4-1.4.4.d

Turf Limitations. Arapahoe County recognizes that while turf (Kentucky Blue grass and other high-water use turf) has practical benefits in a landscape, the extent of and the location impacts of a site's total irrigation requirements is considered a high-water use plant material. Turf is generally considered nonfunctional since it is decorative and not used for recreational purposes or civic or ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Water Use Rules by City in Arapahoe County

2 cities in Arapahoe County have their own water use rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

AuroraPop. 386,261

2 verified rules • Recycled Water Rules, Turf Replacement Rebates

CentennialPop. 108,418

1 verified rule • Turf Replacement Rebates

All Arapahoe County ordinances

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