Aurora encourages native and xeric landscaping and requires that at least 60 percent of non-turf landscape area on new development use low-water plants from the city's approved plant list.
Aurora's Landscape Ordinance (Unified Development Ordinance Article 146) requires new development and significant redevelopment to meet water-efficient landscape standards. At least 60 percent of the required non-turf landscape area must consist of low-water or native plants drawn from the Aurora Water Approved Plant List, which emphasizes species adapted to the Front Range semi-arid climate such as blue grama, buffalograss, rabbitbrush, serviceberry, and penstemon. Cool-season bluegrass turf is capped to a maximum percentage of total landscape area (typically 40 to 45 percent for residential and less for commercial). Native plantings count toward open-space and detention-basin vegetation requirements. Residential homeowners are not required to convert existing landscapes but are incentivized through the Water-Wise Landscape Rebate to replace turf with native and xeric plants. HOAs cannot prohibit xeriscape under CRS 37-60-126.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Aurora code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Aurora, CO
Aurora imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Sign Code in UDO 146...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by the city for...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting on private property. The Aurora UDO Section 146-4.9 (Exte...
Aurora, CO
An outdoor kitchen in Aurora typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 120 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas lin...
Aurora, CO
Aurora has no code section specifically targeting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens beyond the general IFC 308 open-flame rules adopted...
Aurora, CO
Aurora adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Aurora City Code Chapter 66 (Fire Prevention and Protection). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, pr...
See how Aurora's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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