Water-Wise Landscaping

On February 17, 2026, City Council approved Ordinance No. 1915, Series 2026. This ordinance establishes new limits on the installation of nonfunctional turf and artificial turf in specific nonresidential and multifamily areas. This ordinance also aligns with Colorado Senate Bill 24-005 and House Bill 25-1113, which restricts where new turf and artificial turf may be installed in order to reduce water use.

These regulations do not apply to single-family residential properties or to multifamily properties with fewer than 12 dwelling units.

The state laws and City ordinance apply to:

• Commercial, institutional, and industrial properties
• Community properties maintained by an owners’ association (HOA)
• Street rights-of-way, parking lots, medians, and transportation corridors
• Redevelopment projects where more than 50% of the existing landscaping is disturbed or removed
• Multi-family properties with 12 or more dwelling units

The intent of these changes is to reduce water use by limiting turf in areas where it does not serve a recreational or community purpose, and to apply the same restrictions to artificial turf, which can have negative environmental impacts such as contributing to the heat island effects and releasing harmful chemicals, including microplastics and PFAS, into the soil and watershed. In these spaces, water-wise landscaping or drought-tolerant grass can provide similar benefits with significantly less water and reduced environmental impacts.

What is Turf?

Under state law, turf is defined as continuous plant coverage consisting of nonnative grasses or grasses not specifically hybridized for arid conditions.

Functional turf and functional artificial turf is defined as turf or artificial turf that is located in a recreational use area that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes.

Nonfunctional turf and nonfunctional artificial turf is turf or artificial turf that does not serve a clear civic, community, or recreational purpose.

Resources for Native Grass

Grass that are native to Colorado or specifically hybridized for arid conditions can be used in place of traditional turf for landscaping and other non-recreational areas.

The resources below provide guidance on selecting appropriate species and maintaining native grass landscapes. This list is not exhaustive, and consulting a landscaping professional is recommended before purchasing or installing new landscaping.

• Colorado Senate Bill 24-005 Grasses and Plants Guide – Western Resources Advocates
• Colorado Guide to Native and Water Wise Grasses Installation and Maintenance – Colorado Native Grass Guide
• Native Grasses for Use in Colorado Landscapes – CSU Extension
• Western Resource Advocates Publications

Resources for Water-Wise Landscaping

In addition to native grass, water-wise landscaping practices can be used to reduce water use while maintaining attractive and functional landscapes.

The following resources offer guidance on plant selection, design, and maintenance:

• Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens: Front Range and Foothills – CSU Extension
• Water Wise Landscape Handbook – Denver Water
• DIY Landscape Transformation Guide – Denver Water
• You can also visit the City of Louisville Horticulture webpage for additional resources on gardening for pollinators, xeriscape gardening, and integrated pest management

FAQ

Does this impact my home landscaping?

The City ordinance does not apply to single-family homes or multifamily properties with less than 12 units.

What is considered nonfunctional turf?

Turf that is not used for recreation, gathering, or community purposes—such as grass in medians, parking lots, or decorative areas.

Does this apply to existing landscaping?

No. The ordinance applies only to new installations and qualifying redevelopment projects.

Why is the City making this change?

To reduce water use and promote more sustainable landscaping in areas where turf and artificial turf provide limited benefit and to comply with recent state legislation.

Does this mean no turf can be used as site landscaping?

Turf is only defined as non-native, non-hybrid species. Native grass and hybrid species can still be used for landscaping in areas where turf has traditionally been planted.