Aurora, CO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Undeveloped-lot weed limit
- 12 inches within 200 ft of development
- Developed-lot weed limit
- 8 inches
- Cut-back requirement
- 6 inches once limit exceeded
- Notice period
- 7 days to comply
- Nonpayment consequence
- Lien + 15% on property
Summary
Aurora, Colorado caps weeds on undeveloped lots at 12 inches within 200 feet of a developed area or street, and requires cutting to 6 inches once that limit is exceeded.
It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of any undeveloped lot or open area to keep the weeds on that portion of such undeveloped lot or open area property located within 200 feet of any developed area, dedicated street, or existing thoroughfare cut to a height of not more than 12 inches.
(c) It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of any lot or open area to keep the weeds on any portion of the City's right-of-way located between the property line of such lot or open area and the curb face, flow line, or edge of the pavement of any public street to a height of not more than those limitations imposed by this section.
(d) Where weeds exceed the height limitations imposed by this section, the owner or occupant responsible for cutting such weeds shall cut them to a height of six inches or less.
(e) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply where the city manager or the manager's designee has notified the owner or occupant in writing that the city has assumed responsibility for maintaining the City's right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code § 142-73(b) requires every owner or occupant of an undeveloped lot or open area to keep weeds cut to 12 inches or less on the portion within 200 feet of any developed area, dedicated street, or existing thoroughfare. Developed and utilized lots face a stricter 8-inch cap under § 142-73(a). Once weeds exceed either limit, § 142-73(d) requires cutting them back to 6 inches or less. The city manager or designee can issue a notice under § 142-77 giving the owner 7 days to comply; the city may then abate and lien the property under §§ 142-80 and 142-81.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected violations after a 7-day notice let the city cut the lot itself (using city crews or hired contractors) and bill the owner, with unpaid costs plus 15 percent becoming a first lien on the property, collected by the county treasurer like property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Aurora, Colorado before it's a violation?
What happens if I ignore a weed notice from the City of Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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