Broomfield, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Chapter 17-70 of the Broomfield Municipal Code, the city's Landscape Code, took effect January 1, 2024 under Ordinance No. 2215 and was amended by Ordinance No. 2291, effective January 31, 2026. Section 17-70-030 defines 'native plant' as a species indigenous to the Colorado Front Range and naturally occurring in local plant communities, and separately defines a 'native seed mix as turf alternative' for lawns, parks and high-traffic areas, and a 'native seed mix for native areas' for open space and pollinator habitat. These native options are the city's preferred substitute for cool-season turfgrass.

Section 17-70-050(A)(1) backs that preference with numeric floors: at least 75% of the trees and annuals, and 100% of the shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and ornamental grasses planted on any site regulated by the chapter must come from the water-wise plant list in the city's Landscape Reference Manual, the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension xeriscaping fact sheet, or another city-approved water-wise reference. Applicants may consult the city landscape architect if a species is not on the approved list. The rule applies to new construction, redevelopment, projects that expand gross floor area by 65% or more, parking lots of ten or more spaces, and any project disturbing 50% or more of its landscaped area (17-70-020).

Single-family homes not built by a developer are exempt from minimum plant sizing but still must meet the water-wise percentages, and a landscape plan and water budget, stamped by a Colorado-licensed landscape architect for most projects, must be submitted with the site development plan or building permit.