Adams County, CO Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Section 302.4 limit
- Plant growth in excess of 6 inches on premises and exterior property
- Section 4-20-01 trigger
- Weeds greater than 12 inches cut to 6 inches or less
- Agricultural and RE perimeter
- Minimum 20 foot perimeter around dwelling and accessory structures
- Noxious weeds
- Prohibited under 302.4; completely abated under 4-20-01
- Fine
- Not more than $1,000 per violation, each day a separate offense
- Appeal
- Adams County Board of Building Code Appeals within thirty days
- Ordinance No. 12
- Effective July 1, 2026 in the unincorporated areas
Summary
Adams County sets weed height under two instruments. Section 302.4 of the Property Maintenance Code, as amended by Ordinance No. 12, requires premises and exterior property to be free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 6 inches and prohibits noxious weeds. Development Standards section 4-20-01 requires weeds greater than twelve inches in height to be cut to six inches or less in the areas it lists by zone district.
302.4 Weeds. Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 6 inches ... Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. ... 4-20-01 (2)(3) Duty to Control Weeds/Maximum Height of Weeds: It is the duty of every owner or occupant to abate weeds and offending vegetation on all premises. Weeds and offending vegetation greater than twelve (12) inches in height, on all premises, shall be cut to and maintained at a height of six (6) inches or less according to the following: a. In Residential (except RE), Commercial, and Industrial Zone Districts, within the entire lot or parcel. b. In the A-1 and RE Zone Districts, within the established front building setback and within the required side and rear setback for principal dwellings. If no structure exists on the property, then the minimum required principal dwelling setbacks. In the A-2 and A-3 Zone Districts, within the required or established principal dwelling setbacks. In all Agricultural and the RE Zone Districts a minimum of a twenty (20) foot perimeter around the existing principal dwelling and all accessory structures.
Full Breakdown
Section 302.4 sits in the Property Maintenance Code of Adams County, the title Section 101.1 gives to the amendments that Ordinance No. 12 makes to the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. The ordinance is dated 04/21/2026 and takes effect July 1, 2026. It applies to the unincorporated areas of Adams County and is not administered or enforced within any incorporated city or town unless that city or town elects to have it apply. Section 302.4 requires premises and exterior property to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 6 inches, prohibits noxious weeds, and defines weeds as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs. The term does not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Development Standards and Regulations section 4-20-01 (2)(3), titled Duty to Control Weeds/Maximum Height of Weeds, makes it the duty of every owner or occupant to abate weeds and offending vegetation on all premises. Weeds and offending vegetation greater than twelve (12) inches in height must be cut to and maintained at a height of six (6) inches or less. In Residential (except RE), Commercial, and Industrial Zone Districts the requirement covers the entire lot or parcel. In the A-1 and RE Zone Districts it covers the established front building setback and the required side and rear setback for principal dwellings, or the minimum required principal dwelling setbacks if no structure exists on the property. In the A-2 and A-3 Zone Districts it covers the required or established principal dwelling setbacks. In all Agricultural and the RE Zone Districts it also covers a minimum twenty (20) foot perimeter around the existing principal dwelling and all accessory structures. In CO, PL, AV, and DIA Zone Districts the section states no requirements. Weeds classified as noxious by the State of Colorado or Adams County must be completely abated in accordance with the requirements of the State of Colorado or Adams County, as applicable.
The two sections state their figures differently. Section 302.4 refers to growth in excess of 6 inches on premises and exterior property. Section 4-20-01 refers to weeds greater than twelve inches in height and directs cutting to six inches or less in the areas listed for each zone district.
Violations & Fines
Section 6 of Ordinance No. 12 subjects any person who violates the ordinance to the penalties authorized under C.R.S. § 30-28-409 and, upon adjudication, to a fine of not more than $1,000, or such higher amount as the law allows, for each separate violation. Each day the violation occurs counts as a separate offense, and the authorized enforcement agency has discretion to seek cumulative remedies. Under section 4-20-01, the conduct at issue is weeds greater than twelve inches left uncut in the listed areas, or noxious weeds not completely abated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds grow in Adams County before they violate the code?
Which parts of a lot does section 4-20-01 cover?
What is the penalty for a weed violation under Ordinance No. 12?
How does an owner appeal a decision under the Property Maintenance Code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Adams County
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