Arapahoe County encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 prohibit HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Resource Central and Denver Water rebates up to $3 per sq ft apply for lawn replacement in participating service areas.
Unincorporated Arapahoe County does not mandate native landscaping but actively promotes it through CSU Extension and Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority (ACWWA) rebate programs. Colorado HB 19-1050 prohibits HOAs from banning xeriscape, drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes, or permeable non-vegetative hardscape in unit owner yards. SB 23-178 (2023) strengthens this: HOAs must offer at least three pre-approved xeriscape designs and cannot reject xeriscape plans except for narrow health-and-safety reasons. Resource Central's Garden In A Box and Lawn Replacement programs offer $1-$3 per square foot rebates in Denver Water and most Arapahoe County service areas. The Colorado Native Plant Society maintains recommended Front Range plant lists. Invasive species management (Canada thistle, cheatgrass, Russian olive) is required under Colorado Noxious Weed Act on parcels of any size.
HOA violations of CRS 38-33.3-106.5 (xeriscape rights) expose associations to injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees. Noxious weed non-compliance: written notice, county-performed abatement with costs liened against property.
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County regulates amplified music through the general noise ordinance and C.R.S. §18-9-106 disturbing the peace. Sound amplification permits are requ...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. Operation must comply with general noise limits under C.R.S. §25-12-103 and county noise rules. Gas-po...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County Land Development Code §5-2 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and tubular steel are general...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County permits backyard chickens in most residential zones under the Land Development Code. Unincorporated areas allow up to 6-8 hens with no rooste...
Arapahoe County, CO
Arapahoe County requires property owners to maintain defensible space in designated Wildland-Urban Interface zones, especially southern county areas near Che...
Arapahoe County, CO
Aurora, Centennial, and Cherry Hills Village require replacement of permitted tree removals in public right-of-way and subdivisions. Replacement ratios 1:1 t...
See how Arapahoe County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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