8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Denver County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Denver DRMC Chapter 57 requires property owners to maintain vegetation. Grass and weeds must not become a nuisance. Code enforcement responds to complaints of overgrown grass and weeds.
Denver property owners must maintain street trees in the right-of-way per DRMC §57-18. Branches over sidewalks must be trimmed to 8 feet clearance; over streets, 13.5 feet clearance.
Street trees in Denver's right-of-way require a City Forester permit to remove. Private trees generally don't require a permit unless under construction. Removing protected trees without a permit incurs fines equal to tree value.
Denver enforces weed abatement under DRMC §24-101, requiring property owners to keep grass and weeds below 10 inches. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (CRS §35-5.5-101) adds state-level obligations on noxious species. DDPHE handles complaints and abatement.
Denver Water enforces mandatory outdoor watering restrictions May 1–Oct 1 yearly. Residential customers may water 2 days/week before 10 AM or after 6 PM. Stage 1 drought declared in 2025.
Denver rainwater collection is strictly limited by Colorado water law. HB 16-1005 allows only two rain barrels totaling 110 gallons per single-family or up to 4-unit residence, for outdoor irrigation on-site only. Anything beyond this requires a water right decree. Denver Water warns against larger systems.
Denver Water coined 'xeriscape' in 1981 and actively promotes native/drought-tolerant landscaping. C.R.S. §37-60-126 and HB 19-1050 prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscape. Rebates via Denver Water's Garden In A Box and Turf Replacement programs.
SB23-178 Water-wise Landscaping In HOA Communities
SB23-178 Water-wise Landscaping In Homeowners' Association Communities Concerning removing barriers to water-wise landscaping in common interest communities. Bill Summary: 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 ...
Denver allows artificial turf on residential property. No permit required for residential replacement. Commercial and multifamily face restrictions under 2024 Non-Functional Turf Ordinance. HOAs cannot ban per state solar/turf laws.
HB19-1050 Encourage Use Of Xeriscape In Common Areas
HB19-1050 Encourage Use Of Xeriscape In Common Areas Concerning the promotion of water-efficient landscaping on property subject to management by local supervisory entities. Bill Summary: 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 ...
1 cities in Denver County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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