Larimer County Bans Artificial Turf and Invasive Plants on New Development

Larimer County is updating its land use code to prohibit non-functional artificial turf and invasive plant species on new commercial, industrial and institutional properties, aligning with state legislation aimed at water conservation and environmental protection in Colorado's drought-prone climate.

The changes stem from Senate Bill 5, which Governor Jared Polis signed into law March 15, 2024, requiring local governments to enforce the restrictions by January 1, 2026. Scott Bennett, principal planner for Larimer County, briefed commissioners October 20 on the code amendments needed to comply with the state mandate.

The prohibition covers new development and redevelopment projects for commercial, institutional and industrial uses, as well as common interest community areas, parking lots, medians, street rights-of-way and transportation corridors. Residential properties beyond common interest communities remain largely exempt until 2028, when additional restrictions will take effect.

"SB 5 is about the prohibition of non-functional turf, artificial turf, and invasive plant species on certain kinds of projects," Bennett said during the work session. "Those would be new development and redevelopment in pretty much all uses besides residential."

State Law Defines Targeted Materials

The legislation establishes specific definitions for prohibited landscaping materials. Non-functional turf includes grass that is predominantly ornamental and located adjacent to streets, sidewalks, driveways or parking lots that is not regularly used for civic, community or recreational purposes, according to the bill text.

Artificial turf refers to synthetic materials developed to resemble natural grass. The definition specifically exempts athletic fields, playgrounds and parks from the prohibition.

Invasive plant species are defined as non-native species likely to cause economic, environmental or human harm by displacing native plants or disrupting habitat, according to Colorado statute 37-60-135.

Water Conservation Drives Policy

The legislation addresses persistent drought conditions and the need for municipal water conservation in Colorado's arid climate. Outdoor irrigation accounts for 40 to 50 percent of urban water use in Colorado, with ornamental turf among the largest and least productive water consumers, according to state water agencies.

Replacing 1,000 square feet of Kentucky bluegrass with native or xeric landscaping saves 15,000 to 40,000 gallons of water annually, according to Colorado State University Extension and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Artificial turf contributes to urban heat island effects by absorbing and radiating more heat than natural surfaces, potentially raising local ambient temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Senate Bill 5 text. The synthetic material does not provide wildlife habitat, sequester carbon or support pollinators.

Runoff from artificial turf can carry microplastics and chemicals that adversely impact local soil and water quality. Natural vegetation improves soil permeability and groundwater recharge while supporting biodiversity and pollinator populations.

County Must Amend Land Use Code

Larimer County currently requires drought-tolerant landscaping in certain zoning districts but does not have comprehensive countywide restrictions matching the new state law. Section 8.11 of the Larimer County Land Use Code addresses landscaping, screening and buffering standards.

The required amendments will prohibit installation of non-functional turf, artificial turf and invasive species in new and redeveloped commercial, industrial and institutional developments by January 1, 2026. Additional restrictions covering new or redeveloped multifamily and all residential properties must be adopted by January 1, 2028.

Rebecca Everett, Larimer County community development director, told commissioners October 20 that the county is on schedule to complete the initial code changes by the end of 2025, ahead of the state's January 2026 deadline.

The Larimer County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments during an October work session and will formally consider them at their November meeting. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the code changes before final adoption, expected in December.

For more information about the land use code amendments, contact Scott Bennett through the Larimer County Community Development Department.