Douglas County, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- County turf mandate
- None
- HOA xeriscape ban
- Prohibited by state law
- Statute
- C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5 (SB 23-178)
- HOA hardscape cap
- Max 20% of area
- Still required
- Weed control, upkeep
Summary
Colorado encourages xeriscape and native landscaping, and state law bars HOAs from banning xeriscape or drought-tolerant plants on yards a homeowner maintains. Douglas County and its towns set no rule requiring turf, so residents can plant native, low-water gardens.
A unit owners' association of a common interest community may not prohibit the use of xeriscape, nonvegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes to provide ground covering to property for which a unit owner is responsible.
Full Breakdown
Douglas County sits in a semi-arid climate, and both the county and water providers actively promote native, drought-tolerant, and xeriscape landscaping to cut outdoor water use. Colorado's SB 23-178 (C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5) prohibits homeowner associations from banning xeriscape, nonvegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant landscapes on property a unit owner maintains, and requires HOAs to offer preapproved water-wise designs. HOAs may still set reasonable aesthetic and maintenance standards. No county ordinance mandates traditional lawn, so residents are free to replace turf with native plantings, subject to weed-control duties and any HOA design rules.
Violations & Fines
HOAs cannot penalize compliant xeriscape; unmaintained or weedy plantings may still trigger nuisance or noxious-weed enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?
Does the county require native plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado landscaping rules overview
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