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Monument council adopts EV charging rules, turf restrictions and backflow certification updates
Summary
Council approved a package of state-driven code updates: permitting rules for EV charging stations, a prohibition on nonfunctional turf and invasive plants for many new developments, and clarified certification rules for backflow prevention testing and repairs. All measures passed unanimously.
Monument’s Town Council on Dec. 1 approved several state-required code changes addressing electric-vehicle infrastructure, landscape standards and water-system inspections.
EV charging: Following House Bill 24-1173 staff proposed new section 18.04.600 to standardize permitting for EV charging systems. The code treats Level 1 (standard outlets) as nonregulated, Level 2 generally administrative (may need electrical permits), and Level 3 (fast charging) as an accessory use that may require site-plan and conditional-use review in some zones. Staff noted several existing installations that comply and said most private installations will be administrative approvals; the ordinance passed 7–0.
Turf and invasive plants: To comply with new state conservation laws, council adopted an amendment prohibiting nonfunctional turf, nonfunctional artificial turf and invasive plant species for many new developments and redevelopment projects, with typical exemptions (single-family lots under a small-unit threshold, parks, sports fields and engineered water-quality infrastructure). The change aims to reduce landscape water demand and runoff impacts; council members expressed support and the ordinance passed unanimously.
Backflow-testing certification: Council adopted changes to align with House Bill 25-177 that clarify who may inspect, test and repair backflow-prevention devices — certified cross-connection-control technicians or licensed plumbers — and require annual certified inspections and tagging. The ordinance also clarifies that installers on standalone fire-suppression systems must hold appropriate state plumbing licenses. Council adopted the amendment unanimously.
Taken together, the package updates local code to reflect recent state statutes and give staff clearer administrative procedures for permitting, inspections and long-term compliance.
Next steps: staff will update administrative checklists and permit forms to match the new code sections and advise applicants about the new review thresholds for Level 3 chargers and the exemptions for turf rules.
