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Commerce City says xeriscaping ordinance adopted; codification and outreach still pending
Summary
Council discussion clarified the city adopted a Land Development Code amendment in August that expands xeriscaping options (Ordinance No. 2579) but the change is not yet codified in the online municode repository. Staff and council asked for outreach and guidance for HOAs and residents.
Council members and staff discussed a recently adopted Land Development Code amendment that expands permitted xeriscape landscaping practices but is still awaiting codification in the municode online record. The ordinance (No. 2579) was adopted Aug. 19, 2024; staff told council the ordinance is in effect but the technical step of codifying the amendment on the city’s online Municode site remains pending.
Why it matters: the amendment expands the list of permitted plants and clarifies what kinds of drought‑tolerant landscaping are allowed. Multiple council members told staff that homeowners, HOAs and field staff need clearer outreach so residents do not risk costly, irreversible landscaping changes that conflict with codes or HOA approvals.
Key points from the meeting - Ordinance status: Staff confirmed the ordinance was adopted and is enforceable, but Municode’s codification of the new text is not complete; the adopted PDF is posted on the city site under “adopted ordinances not yet codified.”
- Outreach and enforcement concerns: Councilmember Noble and others said HOAs and residents have reported inconsistent application and some property owners have installed prohibited artificial turf. Staff said the city held an HOAs “annual connection” meeting Nov. 6, 2024, and circulated presentation materials, and staff will continue proactive outreach. Council asked staff to return with a plan to notify HOAs and residents of the new rules and to revisit contracts for home‑repair programs that were written to serve a geographic area south of 88th Avenue if council wants those programs opened citywide.
Ending note Staff said they will continue codification work with Municode, prepare outreach/messages for HOAs and residents, and return with any contract amendments required to expand home‑repair or retrofit programs to additional neighborhoods.
