SUBJECT:
Title
Water Wise Landscape Draft Ordinance Discussion
Department
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Planning & Development
Parks & Recreation
Utilities
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Dylan King, Sustainability & Water Conservation Specialist
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 45 minutes
end
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
The Water Wise Landscape Draft Ordinance supports water conservation goals references in the 2019 Water Efficiency Strategic Plan and the 2019 Drought and Water Supply Shortage Plan.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend a thorough review and discussion of this draft code update. Next steps will include integration of Council feedback and direction as well as recommendations from residents and other community partners (through thorough outreach and engagement) before bringing an updated version back to Council for a final review and approval.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• This draft updates Chapter 10-6-4 (Landscape, Screening and Fencing) of Erie’s Unified Development Code to meet State requirements under SB 24-005, improves water efficiency, and supports Town water conversation and sustainability goals.
• The proposed code includes clear, enforceable standards for turf limits, water wise plant materials, irrigation efficiency, and landscape requirements across residential, commercial, institutional and right-of-way areas.
• Staff are seeking Council feedback to refine the draft before conducting public outreach and engagement before returning with a proposed code for adoption in early 2026.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Erie’s current landscaping codes are due for an update. The Town sees high outdoor water demand year after year alongside steady growth and increased drought concerns. There is a steady shift happening in Erie and the Front Range at large toward more water conscious landscaping that requires less water and supports native eco systems. In recent years, the State has addressed these concerns by adopting laws like SB 24-005, which limits the use of non-functional turf-grasses in new commercial, institutional, and industrial development beginning in 2026. The Town needs to update its landscaping codes to stay in compliance with SB 24-005.
In 2024, Erie was accepted to participate in the Colorado Project Accelerator Grant through WaterNow Alliance and Western Resource Advocates. Over the past year, staff from Sustainability, Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works collaborated alongside accelerator consultants to create a comprehensive update to Erie’s landscape code. This process included extensive code review of neighboring municipalities, reviewing best practices, technical review of Erie’s existing code, facilitated staff review and discussion, and finally the drafting of the new code presented today.
This updated code not only brings the Town into compliance with State law (SB 24-005), but it also addresses Erie’s water efficiency and resiliency goals by applying turf limits, plant selections, and irrigation efficiency requirements in new and large renovation residential areas. The goal of the updated code is to set clear standards that support attractive neighborhoods and public spaces while simultaneously reducing long-term water demand.
This study session is an opportunity for Council to review the draft ordinance, ask questions, and provide direction before staff engages broader outreach and final refinement ahead of proposed adoption in early 2026.
priorities
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation
2. State Law SB 24-005
3. Engagement Data
4. One-Pager
5. FAQs
6. Draft Ordinance