Committee approves revised definition of weeds and grass; asks city attorney to reconcile code language

The Code Enforcement Advisory Committee voted Oct. 15 to approve a revised, more detailed definition of “weeds” and “grass” for incorporation into Englewood’s code and asked the city attorney to reconcile the language with existing ordinances.

Matthew, co-lead of the grass-and-weeds subcommittee, presented the group’s proposed definition. It defines weeds to include, among other items, any plant that is not intentionally cultivated and has grown in an unmanaged condition posing a public nuisance, safety hazard or fire risk; grasses or herbaceous plants that exceed six inches in height when not part of a maintained landscape; overgrown vegetation that obstructs visibility or public access; and plants on the Colorado noxious weed list or designated invasive species. The draft also lists exemptions for recognized ecological plantings (xeriscape, pollinator gardens) and agricultural crops if properly maintained.

Committee members discussed whether six inches was the right measurable standard and whether the proposed language would create undue enforcement burdens. Staff said the subcommittee based the height standard on practices from neighboring municipalities and that enforcement discretion would apply in edge cases such as intentionally cultivated native plantings.

Mike moved to approve the wording as presented and the committee seconded the motion; the committee voted in favor and asked the city attorney’s office to check the proposed definition against current ordinance citations (for example, sections that reference ordinance 98-39 and ordinance 22-22) and return with a clean draft that preserves code consistency.

The committee also asked staff to provide the finalized language to all members and noted the change will help clarify outreach and communication materials for seasonal programs such as spring yard maintenance and summer nuisance prevention.