Denver, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- Colorado Noxious Weed Act, C.R.S. § 35-5.5-101
- Abatement deadline
- 10 days after notice of violation
- Enforcing office
- Deputy director, Community Planning & Development
- If unpaid
- City abates and liens the property
- Repeat violation
- Civil injunction or criminal prosecution
Summary
Denver requires every property owner to keep private land clear of noxious weeds regulated under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, with the city issuing notices, abating violations itself, and billing owners for cleanup costs.
(b)Every owner and responsible party who fails to keep private property clear of any vegetation:(1)That presents a fire hazard;(2)That attracts or harbors vectors;(3)That obstruct sight lines for the traveling public on streets or alleys; or(4)That includes "noxious weeds" as this phrase is defined and regulated under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act (sections 35-5.5-101 et seq., C.R.S.) or other state law; Is in violation of this article and subject to the remedies and enforcement specified herein.
(Ord. No. 273-02, § 1, 4-8-02)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under DRMC Chapter 57, Article III (Maintenance of Landscaping and Clearing Unattended Vegetation), Sec. 57-43(b)(4) makes it a violation for any owner or responsible party to leave private property with vegetation that qualifies as a "noxious weed" under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, C.R.S. § 35-5.5-101 et seq. The deputy director of neighborhood inspection services (Community Planning and Development) serves a notice of violation giving the owner 10 days to abate. If the owner fails to clear the weeds, the deputy director can enter the property, remove the vegetation, and bill the owner; an unpaid bill becomes a lien on the property under Sec. 57-44(c).
Violations & Fines
Miss the 10-day abatement window and the city clears the weeds itself and bills you; an unpaid bill becomes a property lien, and repeat violations within a year can draw a civil injunction or criminal prosecution under Sec. 57-46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces Denver's noxious weed rule?
What happens if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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