Colorado Water Congress briefed Douglas County commission on bills affecting turf, taps, septic funding and special districts

Contract lobbyists for the Colorado Water Congress reviewed a package of water-related bills with the Douglas County Water Commission, highlighting likely effects on landscaping in new development, tap fees, septic-system replacement financing, permitting timelines and state trust lands review. Commissioners discussed local control, fiscal impacts, and asked staff to summarize commission comments for the County Commissioners.

Diana Orr, presenting on behalf of the Colorado Water Congress, summarized House Bill 113, a bill that would require local governments to adopt standards limiting “nonfunctional turf” in new developments and common-interest properties. Orr said the bill passed both chambers and allows substantial local flexibility, noting that on or before Jan. 1, 2028, “each local entity with land use planning and zoning authority shall enact…