Landscaping Rules in Boulder County, CO (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Boulder County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Boulder County does not require a permit to trim your own trees. In Wildfire Zones 1 and 2, the county requires vegetation thinning and defensible space around structures under its wildfire building rules.
Tree Trimming and Defensible-Space Vegetation in Boulder County
Some RestrictionsBoulder County Wildfire Mitigation Code Requirements
Full defensible space is required in Wildfire Zone 1 – West County and Wildfire Zone 2 – East County. Full defensible space is NOT required in Wildfire Zone 3 – East County.
Weed Ordinances
On residential lots of 2.5 acres or less, brush, shrubs, grasses, and weeds must generally be kept under nine inches. Growth over nine inches that causes a nuisance violates Land Use Code Article 14; designated noxious weeds fall under the county's mandatory Weed Management Plan.
Weed & Tall-Grass Height Limits in Unincorporated Boulder County
Some RestrictionsBoulder County Land Use Code 14-400(G)
Weeds and Brush: Any underbrush, bush, shrub, or plant material greater than nine inches in height which: ... is allowed to grow in such a manner or extent that it causes or is likely to cause a public hazard or nuisance ... and is not a noxious weed designated under the County's Noxious Weed Management Plan.
Landscaping Rules by City in Boulder County
2 cities in Boulder County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Boulder County ordinances
See every category we cover for Boulder County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Boulder County Ordinance Hub →