Centennial, CO Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)
Key Facts
- Artificial turf
- Active-use areas only
- Non-functional turf
- Stormwater facilities only
- Single-family homes/ADUs
- Fully exempt
- Governing section
- § 12-8-301, Centennial LDC
Summary
Centennial's Land Development Code limits where artificial turf and decorative non-functional turf are allowed, but exempts single-family homes and ADUs entirely.
Artificial Turf is only permitted within an area or space that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes, which may include a playground, a sports field, a picnic ground, an amphitheater, dog relief area, and the playing area of a golf course.2.Functional Turf is permitted within an area or space that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes, which may include a playground, a sports field, a picnic ground, an amphitheater, a portion of a park, and the playing area of a golf course. Functional Turf is not permitted in decorative or ornamental areas, low-traffic locations, and along public right-of-way.a.There is no limit to Functional Turf if it is demonstrated that the Functional Turf will be used for areas or spaces stated in Section 12-8-301C(2).b.Functional Turf may be native or non-native turf grass.3.Non-Functional Turf is only permitted in stormwater detention facilities. Non-Functional Turf shall not be used in areas that are not heavily trafficked by pedestrians, which may include along public street right-of-way, parking lot islands, landscaping areas abutting parking lots, medians, or along other transportation corridors. Other groundcovers, such as native turf grasses, and xeriscaping shall be utilized in the Non-Functional Turf areas. (Ord. 2025-O-12 §20)
Full Breakdown
Centennial Municipal Code § 12-8-301(C) restricts turf choices on nonresidential, multifamily, and common-area landscaping: artificial turf is only allowed in active-use spaces like playgrounds, sports fields, or dog-relief areas, and purely decorative 'Non-Functional Turf' is confined to stormwater detention facilities, it can't be used along street frontage, medians, or parking lot islands, where xeriscaping or native turf grasses are required instead. Subsection (A) carves out a broad exemption, though: single-family attached and detached homes and accessory dwelling units are exempt from all of these turf requirements, so a typical homeowner installing artificial turf in a backyard isn't regulated by this section.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant turf installations on regulated nonresidential or multifamily sites can be held up at landscape inspection or cited through the Land Development Code's standard enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put artificial turf in my Centennial backyard?
Where can decorative lawn-replacement turf go on commercial property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
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How other cities in Arapahoe County handle turf replacement rebates.