Aurora, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing code
- Unified Development Ordinance § 146-4.7.3.B.4
- Named bans
- Russian olive, aspen, tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm, tree of heaven
- Also barred
- CSU-listed invasives + CO Noxious Weed List species
- Applies to
- New development, redevelopment, 10+ space lots
- UDO current through
- Ordinance 2026-03 (Feb. 23, 2026)
Summary
Aurora's development code bans planting Russian olive, aspen, tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm and tree of heaven citywide, plus anything on the state noxious weed list.
The following plants shall be prohibited from being planted in the City: i. Russian Olive (all Elaeagnus Angustifolia species and cultivars); ii. Aspen (all Populus Tremuloides species and cultivars); ... iv. Tamarisk (all species); v. Ash (Fraxinus species); vi. Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumia); and vii. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.). Plants listed as an invasive species by the Colorado State University Extension Service are prohibited. Plants listed on the Colorado Noxious Weed List are prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora, Colorado's Unified Development Ordinance flatly bars several tree and shrub species from new plantings citywide: Russian olive, aspen, tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm and tree of heaven, plus cottonwood except in limited native-buffer settings. The ban extends to any plant CSU Extension lists as invasive or that appears on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. The rule applies to landscape plans required for new development, redevelopment and qualifying parking lot projects across all three of the city's character subareas.
Violations & Fines
Landscape plans containing a listed species are rejected at plan review; installed plants must be removed and replaced before a certificate of occupancy issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a Siberian elm or Russian olive in Aurora, Colorado?
Does Aurora ban all noxious weeds, not just the named trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado invasive plant rules overview
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