Denver Announces Project to Update Landscaping Requirements with Focus
Published on December 10, 2024
The project will focus on updating landscaping requirements for new development and some redevelopment
Denver, CO -- The City and County of Denver in 2025 will propose updating its landscape requirements to increase and promote a more climate resilient city. Climate resilient landscapes are designed to use less water, can survive during times of drought, help to reduce heat in the city, and promote biodiversity, among many other benefits. This process will update the Denver Zoning Code along with all other applicable codes, rules, regulations and policies to create clear guidance for new development projects and also come into compliance with a new state law. This project is sponsored by City Councilmember Paul Kashmann in partnership with Denver’s Department of Community Planning and Development.
This project will focus on landscaping requirements for all new development and some redevelopment projects only. Existing landscaping around homes or businesses will not be impacted by these new requirements.
Many developments in Denver use non-functional turf, defined as ornamental grass in an area that does not get public use. Nonfunctional turfgrass uses a lot of water and does not serve a recreation or civic purpose. This type of turf can be found in areas along roadways, in medians and in parking lots. Instead of nonfunctional turf in new development and some redevelopment, the city may require a mix of native grasses, shrubs and trees or other landscape design that focus on species that are successful in Denver's climate.
“We’re excited to launch a project that will improve the climate resiliency of Denver’s landscaping,” said Manish Kumar, Executive Director of Community Planning and Development. “We look forward to a robust public engagement process to gain a variety of viewpoints on this important issue.”
“I grew up loving a bright green, well-trimmed lawn. Unfortunately, as climate change has sharpened our focus, we have learned maintaining that lovely appearance leads to devastating costs that our watershed can no longer support. I couldn’t be more pleased that Denver is now poised to develop critical policies that will make Denver a leader in yet another urgent area of environmental sustainability. I look forward to working with the agencies and my colleagues in this important effort,” said Paul Kashmann, Councilman for Denver District 6.
Many citywide plans including Blueprint Denver, Game Plan for a Healthy City, One Water Plan, and the Urban Forest Strategic Plan all call for the city to update its landscape requirements to promote a uniquely Denver landscape that can adapt and withstand the impacts of our changing climate such as prolonged drought and heat. This project will be working to implement this plan guidance through an update to citywide regulation.
A key aspect of this project will be engagement in 2025 with the public, development community, industry professionals, and many others to ensure Denver’s new landscape requirements meet the goals and vision of the community.
Earlier this year, the State of Colorado passed a bill (SB 24-005) that prohibits new non-functional turf and artificial turf in commercial, industrial, and institutional development in Colorado. This project will address the requirements of this bill and go beyond to look at the future of all landscape to ensure it meets the vision of the Denver community.
This project is collaboratively funded with support from the Colorado Water Plan grant, Denver Community Planning and Development, the Climate Protection fund, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency.
Read more in the Budget and Policy Committee presentation
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