Landscaping Rules in La Plata County, CO (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado, Land Use Code § 70-8.X prohibits development, expressly including tree removal, clearing and grading, on steep slope areas of thirty percent or greater. Exceptions cover unpaved trails, open space, utilities, roads and driveways, silviculture for wildfire mitigation or forest health, and single family homes meeting engineering standards.
La Plata County Steep Slope Tree Removal Prohibition
Some RestrictionsLa Plata County Code § 70-8
X. Permitted uses and activities on steep slope areas (thirty (30) percent or greater). ... Development, including but not limited to: tree removal, clearing, excavation, grading, construction, and reconstruction shall be prohibited on steep slope areas, except for: A. Passive recreation uses, including construction according to county specifications of unpaved public trails for non-motorized u...
Weed Ordinances
In unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners enforces weed control through the Weed Office under Chapter 58 of the County Code. A written notice gives a landowner or occupant five days to eradicate a list A weed or ten days to manage other noxious weeds, or to submit an acceptable plan and schedule.
La Plata County Noxious Weed Notice and Lien Rules
Some RestrictionsLa Plata County Code § 58-59
I. Private lands. ... A. Upon a discovery of the presence of noxious weeds on private premises, the weed office, acting as agent, delegate, or staff of the BOCC has the authority to notify the landowner or occupant of the presence of noxious weeds. ... ... 6. Advisement to the landowner or occupant to commence either eradication of the noxious weeds within five days or management of the noxious...
Native Plants
In unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado, Section 70-17 of the Land Use Code requires native, low-water, drought tolerant, or adaptive plants for all landscaping the code requires, and existing native vegetation can serve as the buffer. Disturbed ground must be revegetated or otherwise mitigated against erosion and dust.
La Plata County Native Plant Landscaping Rules
Some RestrictionsLa Plata County Code § 70-17
C. Native, low-water, drought tolerant, or adaptive plants shall be used for all landscaping. Plants shall be suitable for the local soil conditions. ... ... F. Xeriscaping or low-water usage is recommended for all development subject to this section. ... ... H. All disturbed areas must be revegetated or otherwise mitigated to prevent erosion and dust. ... ... K. All unimproved, open areas not ...
Artificial Turf
In unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado, Section 70-17.III.A prohibits installing nonfunctional turf or nonfunctional artificial turf as part of any new development or redevelopment project. Turf that was legally installed can be repaired and maintained until a later project forces compliance with the code then in force.
La Plata County Artificial Turf Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsLa Plata County Code § 70-17
A. The installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, nonfunctional artificial turf, and invasive species are prohibited as part of a new development project or redevelopment project on any portion of an applicable property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nonfunctional turf and nonfunctional artificial turf that was legally installed, planted, or placed may be repaired and maintain...
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