Tree board discusses Colorado's nonessential turf legislation and local code implications

The board reviewed developments related to statewide nonessential turf legislation (referred to in the meeting as "Senate Bill 2024") and began discussing how Carbondale will need to adapt its landscape code and practices.

A board member reported attending stakeholder workshops addressing contractor certification, irrigation design, construction and maintenance. She described practical issues raised at the workshops: how to certify and retain skilled workers who can comply with standards across jurisdictions; how to shift public perception away from irrigated bluegrass; and how to handle stormwater and mulch displacement during extreme weather events.

Board members noted that the state requirement is likely to eliminate small, irrigated turf strips in medians and other nonessential areas, pushing municipalities to amend zoning and landscape codes. Carl and planning references confirmed town staff will begin reviewing local code to incorporate state requirements and to prepare for the law's implementation, which board members said will likely require code edits by 2026.

Members also flagged insurance and wildfire implications discussed at the workshops and the need to consider defensible-space principles when revising planting guidance. The board asked staff to monitor the legislation and report back as planning changes are drafted.