Loveland's tree-protection framework rests on Title 18 (Unified Development Code) — which defines Significant Tree (§ 4557) and DBH (§ 4561) and sets landscape, buffer, and replacement standards — supplemented by Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry's management of approximately 25,000 publicly owned trees. Loveland has been a Tree City USA continuously since 1989, meeting the Arbor Day Foundation's four standards including a tree board, a tree ordinance, $2+ per capita urban-forestry budget, and an annual Arbor Day observance.
Loveland's tree-protection authority is built from three layers. Layer 1 — Title 18 Unified Development Code: defines Significant Tree (§ 4557), DBH (§ 4561), and Soil Amendment (§ 4559); sets required-landscape, buffer-yard, and replacement standards for new development; and incorporates the City of Loveland Plant List as the approved species roster. The UDC was substantially amended on March 3, 2026 (effective March 17, 2026) to implement Colorado SB 24-005, prohibiting nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, and invasive plant species on commercial / industrial / institutional / CIC / right-of-way / median / parking-lot property. Layer 2 — Title 16 Nuisances: the 2020-consolidated nuisance ordinance addresses weed control, the 8-inch grass-height cap, and abatement procedures, with exemptions for ornamental and native grasses. Layer 3 — Urban Forestry program: Parks & Recreation manages approximately 25,000 publicly owned trees on city streets, parks, and rights-of-way; requires written City consent before any tree is planted or removed on city property or right-of-way; operates the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Preparedness and Management Plan; and maintains Loveland's Tree City USA designation, continuous since 1989. The Urban Forester is reachable at 970-962-3459 for dangerous-tree and right-of-way concerns. Colorado statutes layered on top include the Noxious Weed Act (CRS 35-5.5-101 et seq.), HOA xeriscape protections (CRS 38-33.3-106.5, HB 21-1229, SB 23-178), and SB 24-005's non-functional-turf prohibition.
Title 18 UDC violations — including unauthorized removal of Significant Trees, required-landscape trees, or buffer-yard trees — are enforced by Loveland Development Services with civil penalties, stop-work, certificate-of-occupancy holds, and replacement orders. Title 16 nuisance violations (grass over 8 inches, noxious weeds) follow the 7-day-notice / cost-plus-10% / tax-roll-lien process. Removing or damaging a tree on city right-of-way or city property without written City consent is prosecutable in Loveland Municipal Court with restitution for the appraised tree value plus civil penalties. Non-functional turf and artificial-turf installations on prohibited property classes after January 1, 2026 are UDC violations under the March 2026 amendments implementing SB 24-005.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Loveland, CO
On March 3, 2026, the Loveland City Council amended the Title 18 Unified Development Code (effective March 17, 2026) to implement Colorado Senate Bill 24-005...
Loveland, CO
Loveland does not mandate native plants in private landscapes but actively encourages drought-tolerant and Colorado-adapted species through the City of Lovel...
Loveland, CO
Loveland does not designate municipal food-truck zones; mobile vendors operate on private property with owner permission (consistent with the UDC zoning dist...
Loveland, CO
All mobile food vendors (food trucks, carts) operating within the City of Loveland must obtain an annual mobile vendor license from the Loveland City Clerk's...
Loveland, CO
Federal law (FAA Part 107 and 49 U.S.C. 44809 for recreational flyers) governs U.S. airspace and Loveland cannot regulate altitude or flight paths. Loveland ...
Loveland, CO
Loveland regulates garage sales under LMC Chapter 5.44 (Garage Sales) within Title 5 - Business Licenses and Regulations. The chapter sets frequency and dura...
See how Loveland's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.