Boulder City Council approves landscaping overhaul to save water and reduce fire risk

On Jan. 8, the Boulder City Council voted unanimously to approve a set of changes to the city’s landscaping code aimed at strengthening water conservation and wildfire resilience. The ordinance is part of the city’s Waterwise Landscaping Project and is the first major overhaul of Boulder’s landscaping rules in more than two decades.

The approved measures were the result of several amendments to the original ordinance, following council comment on Oct. 16, 2025. Councilmembers raised concerns about restrictions on urban agriculture, mulch and landscape architect requirements, among other issues. City staff subsequently revised the proposal.

Under the amendments, applicants for landscaping permits will no longer be required to hire licensed architects, height limits on urban agriculture were eliminated, and processes for approving alternative plantings were simplified. Daytime watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. will be prohibited from May 1 through Sept. 30 to prevent evaporative water loss, though low-volume drip or subsurface irrigation systems will be allowed at any time.

On the plant side, no new junipers will be allowed citywide and must be removed as part of new or redevelopment projects. New plants must adhere to a city-maintained approved list, and existing plants that do not meet the approved tree and plant list must be trimmed to comply with code.

Grasses with high water demand, such as Kentucky bluegrass, have historically been used in commercial developments and along transportation corridors. Under the new rules, they may only be used in functional turf areas, such as playgrounds and parks, bringing Boulder’s code into alignment with new state law.

Councilmembers were satisfied with the amendments and praised the flexibility of new landscaping standards, which will be moved from city code to a landscaping manual, allowing for faster faster updates. 

“That flexibility and speed really seems key to adaptation for our community,” said Councilmember Nicole Speer. 

Councilmember Rob Kaplan urged the city to lead by example by adhering to the new landscaping standards on city properties, parks and rights-of-way, starting with removing junipers in the Chautauqua area. 

“I think our community deserves to see their city government taking action,” Kaplan said. 

A third reading of the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 5, where it is expected to appear on the consent agenda and will be formally adopted if approved. The changes would go into effect on March 1.