Parker, CO Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 13.08.090(e) of the Parker Municipal Code governs streetscape landscaping town-wide as part of the Land Development Ordinance's landscaping, buffering, and screening standards. The rule applies to every zoning district and sits in the planting strip between the curb and a detached sidewalk, or within eight feet of an attached sidewalk. Trees must run in a straight line parallel to the road and be evenly spaced unless the Community Development Department approves an alternate alignment to match a sidewalk or neighboring properties. Species diversity is mandatory: within any street block a builder must plant a minimum of three and a maximum of five shade tree species so that no single species dominates the corridor, with ornamental varieties concentrated near intersections and vistas.

Evergreen trees are flatly prohibited in this streetscape zone, reserving them instead for other buffer types elsewhere in the LDO. At least seventy-five percent of the planting strip must be living plant material, though the Planning Director can approve reduced coverage where utilities or drainage constrain the site. Streetscape design along Parker Road itself must additionally clear review by the Colorado Department of Transportation because that corridor is a state highway. Every property owner, including homeowners on residential lots, is personally responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing the required street trees and ground cover once installed, so the obligation continues long after a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Design and species selection is coordinated jointly between Parker's Planning and Engineering Departments and must comply with the Town's Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Streetscape Design and Construction Manual.