Hey NoCo neighbors, have you heard?
If you’re considering a Northern Colorado HOA turf conversion, Colorado’s new landscaping laws can directly affect what you plant in your yard and how common areas are managed. The state is getting serious about water conservation, and that means big changes for HOA landscaping rules.
Over the past couple of years, the Colorado General Assembly passed two key bills that every HOA and homeowner should know about:
Here’s what this means in real life — without the legal jargon.
SB 23-178: More Freedom for Homeowners’ Yards
This law went into effect in August 2023, and it’s all about protecting homeowners who want water-wise landscaping.
In short? HOAs can’t block reasonable xeriscape anymore.
What This Means for Your Yard:
- Xeriscape is welcome. HOAs can no longer ban drought-tolerant plants, xeriscaping, or even artificial turf (in backyards).
- Design flexibility matters. HOAs can still have guidelines, but they must allow options where at least 80% of plants are low-water. They can’t force you into a yard that’s mostly rocks or hardscape.
- Veggies up front? Go for it! Tomato plants in the front yard? Totally allowed.
- Easy approvals. HOAs must post at least three pre-approved, water-efficient landscape designs online — often drawing from resources like Plant Select or local utility programs. This makes turf conversion approvals much smoother.
- Homeowner power. If an HOA drags its feet or breaks the rules, homeowners can act after a 45-day notice.
HB 25-1113: Rethinking Grass in New Developments
Passed in 2025, HB 25-1113 focuses on common areas and new construction, not just individual yards. Starting January 1, 2026, cities and counties cannot approve plans with “nonfunctional turf.”
What Counts as Nonfunctional Turf?
Grass in parking lot medians
Narrow strips along roadways
Big common areas no one ever uses
Basically, grass that consumes water but doesn’t get used for picnics, sports, or play.
Key Takeaways:
This applies to new HOA communities with 12+ homes
Parks, playgrounds, and sports fields are still allowed to have turf
Drought-tolerant turf blends are encouraged
By 2028, local governments will adopt additional rules to further reduce residential turf water use
In other words: Colorado is planning long-term.
Northern Colorado HOA Turf Conversion: Friendly To-Do List
Whether you’re on an HOA board or just a proactive homeowner, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Update the Rulebook: Time to check those architectural guidelines and make sure they’re friendly toward xeriscape and turf alternatives.
- Offer Easy Solutions: Get those three pre-approved, water-smart designs ready and accessible online to help homeowners make the switch. Our Landscape Designer can help with that!
- Spread the Word: Let everyone in the neighborhood know about these changes and the amazing rebates many local water providers offer for turf replacement.
- Plan Smart for the Future: If your community is new or undergoing a big refresh, make sure those common areas are designed with water conservation in mind from day one.
The Bottom Line
Colorado isn’t banning grass everywhere. But it is shifting toward smarter water use — and HOAs are part of that shift.
If you’ve been thinking about replacing thirsty lawn with something more sustainable, the law is now on your side. And if you’re an HOA board trying to navigate all this? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
We help Northern Colorado HOAs create beautiful, compliant, water-wise landscapes that people actually love living with. Reach out anytime — we’re happy to walk through your options.
