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Buena Vista adopts state landscaping limits to curb nonfunctional turf
Summary
Trustees adopted local code changes to implement a state law limiting nonfunctional turf and certain invasive species on new development and redevelopment; the rules, effective Jan. 1, apply to institutional, commercial and some multifamily projects and not to existing single-family yards.
On Nov. 25 the Buena Vista Board of Trustees approved code amendments to implement requirements from the 2024 legislative session restricting nonfunctional turf and certain invasive species in new development and specified redevelopment.
Planning staff summarized the state guidance and the town draft ordinance, noting distinctions between functional turf (recreation fields, amphitheaters, golf course playing areas) and nonfunctional turf (medians, decorative lawns that are watered heavily). The ordinance also lists prohibited species (including ash, tamarisk, Siberian elm and Russian olive) and adds definitions for multifamily residential property where relevant to the new rules.
Staff said the new standards apply to new commercial, institutional, industrial, HOA-owned common areas, public right-of-way medians and some redevelopment projects that disturb 50% or more of landscaped area, but not to existing single-family residential yards. Trustees discussed how to post notices online rather than rely on infrequent newspaper publication and recommended specifying the town website for required online notice.
After discussion, the board approved the ordinance to align local code with the state—9s water-conservation and landscaping law; staff will incorporate the planting guide and implementation details in future planning documents.
