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.
Denver has no permit requirement for residential artificial turf installation as long as grading is not altered. The Denver Zoning Code counts artificial turf as landscape surface for minimum green area calculations in most zone districts. Commercial, multifamily, and government properties must comply with the 2024 Non-Functional Turf Ordinance which primarily targets bluegrass removal but places additional standards on synthetic replacements (drainage, heat mitigation, crumb rubber infill restrictions). Proper installation requires a compacted base (typically 3-4 inches of crushed aggregate), weed barrier, and infill appropriate for Denver's freeze-thaw cycle. Colorado does not have a specific statute preempting HOA bans on artificial turf, but HB 19-1050's 'drought-tolerant landscaping' language has been interpreted to cover synthetic turf. Heat concerns apply — synthetic turf can exceed 150°F on Denver's 90°F+ summer days.
HOA unreasonable ban: challengeable under HB 19-1050. Commercial non-compliance with turf ordinance: permit denial. Improper drainage causing neighbor flooding: civil liability.
Denver, CO
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Denver, CO
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