Fort Collins, CO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 20's weed article treats undeveloped land as its own category. Section 20-41 defines "open area" as real property zoned as open space or designated transition or any other undeveloped real property in single, common or joint ownership. Section 20-42(e) sets that category's growth limit at twelve inches, three inches higher than the nine-inch cap that applies to improved property under Subsections (c) and (d): it is unlawful for the owner of any open area, ditch, ditch right-of-way or railroad right-of-way to allow weeds or grasses other than those grown for agricultural purposes upon such open area, ditch or right-of-way to grow to a height of more than twelve (12) inches.

Owners certified under the City's natural areas program can exceed even that limit for the specific grass species identified in their certification, per § 20-43(b). Subsection (k) separately bars any owner adjacent to a vacant lot, open area, ditch, detention pond or public right-of-way from dumping or accumulating refuse or rubbish on that adjacent land. Enforcement mirrors the developed-lot process: the Neighborhood Services Manager gives five days' notice under § 20-44 before the City abates the nuisance and assesses the removal cost, including inspection and administrative charges, as a lien against the property with priority over every lien except general taxes and prior special assessments.