El Paso County encourages xeriscaping and native plant landscaping for water conservation in Colorado's semi-arid Front Range climate. Colorado HB 19-1050 and SB 23-178 bar HOAs from prohibiting xeriscape. Rebates available through Colorado Springs Utilities.
El Paso County's Front Range semi-arid climate (average 16 inches annual precipitation) makes native and drought-tolerant landscaping both practical and increasingly common. Colorado Springs Utilities offers turf replacement rebates up to $2 per square foot for converting irrigated turf to xeriscape (program details change annually; check csu.org). Colorado HB 19-1050 (2019) prohibits HOAs from banning xeriscape or drought-tolerant landscaping. SB 23-178 (2023) requires HOAs to offer pre-approved water-wise garden designs and bars denial of xeriscape applications. Recommended native plants for Pikes Peak region include blue grama, buffalo grass, little bluestem, Rocky Mountain penstemon, blanketflower, rabbitbrush, mountain mahogany, Gambel oak, Colorado blue spruce, and ponderosa pine. The Colorado State University Extension Office (publications 7.230 and 7.214) provides detailed guides. Invasive species to remove include Russian olive, tamarisk, cheatgrass, and dalmatian toadflax. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center and Horticultural Art Society Garden demonstrate regionally appropriate landscaping.
HOA fines for xeriscape compliance: typically unenforceable under C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.3. Homeowner may recover attorney fees against HOA violating state law. County has no penalties for native plant installation. Non-compliance with invasive species control may trigger weed notices under Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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See how El Paso County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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