Longmont, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum native cover
- 75% of landscaped area
- Nonfunctional turf
- Prohibited citywide
- Functional turf allowed
- Civic/community/recreational areas only
- Design mandate
- Xeriscape practice required in all areas
- Soil amendment
- 3 cu. yd. compost per 1,000 sq. ft.
- Applies to
- New development and redevelopment plans
- Modification path
- Up to 25% via § 15.02.080.B
Summary
Longmont's land development code requires that at least 75 percent of every landscaped area be covered in drought-tolerant vegetation or native ground cover, with nonfunctional turf banned outright. Functional turf is allowed only where it serves a civic, community or recreational purpose. The standard applies citywide to new development and redevelopment landscape plans under Municipal Code § 15.05.040.C.2.a.v.
v.Landscaped areas shall be covered with at least 75 percent of the areas with drought-tolerant vegetation or native ground cover, except for areas where additional hardscape is allowed or as allowed for an alternative landscape plan. Nonfunctional turf is prohibited. Functional turf may be used only in areas designated for civic, community, or recreational use.
Full Breakdown
e, 'Ground covers,' which repeats that drought-tolerant vegetation or native ground cover 'shall be the primary ground cover in landscaped areas' and adds that mulches and other inorganic ground cover must be installed in shrub and planting beds to reduce water evaporation, and that soil must be amended with three cubic yards of organic matter or compost per 1,000 square feet, tilled to a depth of at least six inches, on every landscape area not covered by approved impervious surface or permeable paving. ' Together these standards apply to landscape buffers, pocket parks, parking-area perimeters, greenways, streetscapes, stormwater areas and the uncovered portions of residential, mixed-use and nonresidential lots. 100. B.
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet the native ground cover or xeriscape standard is a violation of the development code under § 15.09.030. The city may withhold or deny building permits and certificates of occupancy, revoke an issued permit, issue a stop-work order, or pursue injunctive relief under § 15.09.050 until the landscaping is brought into compliance, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense under § 15.09.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 75 percent native-cover rule apply to my existing yard?
Can I still have any lawn?
What does 'xeriscape practice' require beyond planting native species?
Is soil preparation part of the requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
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