Broomfield council approves first reading of landscape code updates to limit nonfunctional turf

On Dec. 14 the City and County of Broomfield council approved on first reading ordinance 2291, which updates Chapter 17‑70 of the municipal code to align local turf and landscape definitions with recent Colorado legislation focused on water conservation.

Landscape Architect Kate Volz told council the update adds several definitions — functional turf (recreational uses), nonfunctional turf (medians, parking strips), native seed mixes (as turf alternatives versus native area mixes), and transportation corridor clarifications — and adjusts where artificial turf is allowed (allowed for athletic fields, single‑family backyards and dog parks but restricted in multifamily common areas and medians). Staff said the local code is currently more restrictive than state law in some places and that the proposed changes aim to create consistent terminology and implementation. The presenter recommended an effective date of Jan. 31 if the ordinance is adopted.

Council discussion covered public engagement (how the city solicits feedback), costs of native seed mixes compared with Kentucky bluegrass and how the parks department is piloting alternative sod varieties. Public commenter Bill Crothers asked whether a Nextdoor survey he saw was official outreach; staff replied the city does not use Nextdoor for formal engagement.

Council moved, seconded and voted to approve the ordinance on first reading and order it published in full; the vote was unanimous, 10–0. A second reading is scheduled for Jan. 13.