Aurora, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Trees/annuals threshold
- 75% must be Water-wise
- Shrubs/perennials/grasses threshold
- 100% must be Water-wise
- Applies to
- New development & major redevelopment
- Banned species
- 7 listed, incl. Russian olive, ash
- Governing instrument
- UDO § 146-4.7.3, not City Code
Summary
New development and redevelopment in Aurora, Colorado must draw at least 75% of trees and annuals, and 100% of shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and ornamental grasses, from an approved Water-wise plant list under the UDO's landscaping standards.
At least 75 percent of all annuals and trees, and 100 percent of shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses used to landscape each site regulated by this Section shall be selected from the Water-wise Plant List in the Landscape Reference Manual; the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Facts Sheet on Xeriscaping; or other approved Water-wise, resource wise, or Xeriscape plant material references.
d. Trees and shrubs specified from another source other than the Water-wise plant list will be considered if the source for the Water-wise designation is listed on the plan. Such sources may consist of the Colorado State University Extension office or similar sources. Applicants may also consult with the City Forester regarding any proposed tree species not on the approved Water-wise plant list.
e. Evergreen trees such as Austrian and Ponderosa Pine as well as Spruce, shall not be planted closer than 20 feet to a street edge, sidewalk, or parking area as measured from the trunk of the tree to the edge of the pavement.
f. Planting within rip-rap lined swales is prohibited. No trees, shrubs, and/or perennials shall be planted within the rock.
2. Minimum Plant Sizes. Plant material shall be installed in the minimum sizes shown in Table 4.7-1. Trees shall be measured six inches above ground level for all trees up to four inches in caliper and 12 inches above ground level for larger trees.
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's Unified Development Ordinance requires landscape plans for new development, redevelopment expanding floor area by more than 25 percent, and parking lots of 10+ spaces to draw the bulk of their plantings from an approved Water-wise or Xeriscape list: at least 75% of trees and annuals, 100% of shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and ornamental grasses (UDO § 146-4.7.3.B.1.c). The same section bans planting Russian olive, aspen, cottonwood (except as a native buffer), tamarisk, ash, Siberian elm and tree-of-heaven citywide, plus any species on the Colorado Noxious Weed List. The rule governs site-plan landscaping, not existing private yards.
Violations & Fines
Site plans that fail to meet the Water-wise plant percentages or that include a prohibited species are rejected during Planning Department review; noncompliant landscaping can block certificate-of-occupancy issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aurora require native plants in landscaping?
Does this rule apply to my existing home landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado landscaping rules overview
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