The Boulder City Water Resources Advisory Board (RAB) convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the Waterwise Landscaping Policy and Code, a key initiative aimed at enhancing water conservation in the community. This initiative aligns with the city council's priorities for 2024-2025, focusing on sustainable landscaping practices that not only conserve water but also mitigate wildfire risks.

During the meeting, staff from the Planning and Development Services Department presented proposed changes to existing landscape regulations. These changes are driven by recent state legislation that prohibits the installation of nonfunctional turf and invasive plant species in new developments. The regulations will apply to various land uses, including commercial and residential developments with more than 12 units, impacting over half of the city.

The proposed updates aim to modernize landscape regulations, making them more adaptable to current environmental needs. This includes establishing a technical landscape manual that outlines best practices for soil amendments and watering restrictions, which will facilitate compliance with state laws while promoting the use of native, low-flammability plants.

While no formal action was required from the board during this meeting, members were encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The planning team emphasized the importance of community input, having previously engaged with residents and other stakeholders to gather insights that shaped these recommendations.

Looking ahead, the city plans to present these updates to the city council in October, with the goal of implementing the new regulations by January 1, 2026. This initiative not only reflects Boulder’s commitment to water conservation but also aims to enhance the aesthetic quality of the community while addressing pressing environmental challenges. The ongoing collaboration between various city departments underscores a unified approach to sustainable development and resource management in Boulder.