La Plata County, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Section 70-17 governs landscaping, screening and buffers that the Land Use Code requires in unincorporated La Plata County, Colorado. Its generally applicable standards in subsection III say native, low-water, drought tolerant, or adaptive plants shall be used for all landscaping, and that plants shall be suitable for the local soil conditions. Subsection III.F recommends xeriscaping or low-water usage for all development subject to the section, and III.H requires all disturbed areas to be revegetated or otherwise mitigated to prevent erosion and dust. Under III.K, unimproved open areas not already populated with indigenous vegetation shall be planted or otherwise protected from erosion and dust.

Native vegetation also counts as a buffer. Subsection IV.E lets existing native vegetation and trees serve as a buffer when they are located where they can achieve the same intent and purpose as a planted buffer. Subsection IV.F then requires protective fencing around those plants during site preparation and construction. Fencing for trees goes at a distance at least one and half times the distance of the dripline, and no construction materials or debris can be placed or stored within the fenced area or against the fence.

The section reaches only landscaping the code requires. Subsection IV says its plant standards do not apply to plantings proposed voluntarily that are not needed to achieve code compliance. Groundcover meant to satisfy the section needs a minimum container size of one (1) gallon and must cover the planted area within one (1) year from initial planting (III.L). A separate noxious weed control plan rule in Section 70-12 requires revegetation within no more than one (1) calendar year after substantial completion of soil disturbance, using appropriate native plant species as approved by the county. The director can waive a subsection III standard in writing, in the director's sole discretion, when the applicant shows the standard is not technologically feasible or is impractical for the site.