Loveland, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Loveland's native-plant policy is structured around the Unified Development Code (UDC) Plant List, which prioritizes Colorado Front Range native and drought-adapted species suitable to Loveland's semi-arid climate and Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) water portfolio. The March 3, 2026 UDC amendments (effective March 17, 2026) — adopted to comply with Senate Bill 24-005 — encourage climate-adapted grasses such as buffalo grass and blue grama, drought-tolerant plantings (succulents, ornamental grasses), and organic ground covers as alternatives to water-intensive cool-season turf like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues. Colorado HB 21-1229 and SB 23-178 amended CRS 38-33.3-106.5 of the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act to prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscape, drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes, vegetable gardens, or turf-replacement plantings — though HOAs may adopt reasonable aesthetic guidelines regulating type, number, and placement. Northern Water and partner municipalities, including Loveland, support turf-replacement rebates that typically require Colorado-adapted or native species and drip irrigation. Title 16 (Nuisances) expressly excludes 'native grasses' and 'ornamental grasses' from the definition of 'weeds,' so native-grass meadows and prairie-style landscapes are protected from over-height nuisance enforcement when they qualify under those categories. Loveland's Tree City USA designation (continuous since 1989) reflects long-running urban-forestry commitment, and the Urban Forestry division curates approved street-tree species suited to Front Range conditions.