Top: Graphic courtesy Denver Water

The State of Colorado passed SB24-005 in 2024 that prohibits new non-functional turf throughout the state. Cities are required by SB 24-005 to update their codes and enact this requirement by January 2026. The City and County of Denver created a new program, Denver Resilient Landscapes, to evaluate updates to current landscape requirements within the city and promote water-wise landscapes, reduce turfgrass, support pollinators, and increase urban tree canopy. “Many developments in Denver use non-functional turf, defined as ornamental grass in an area that does not get public use,” according to the Denver Resilient Landscapes’ website. “Nonfunctional turfgrass uses a lot of water and does not serve a recreation or civic purpose. This type of turf can be found in areas along roadways, in medians and in parking lots. Instead of nonfunctional turf in new development and some redevelopment, the city may require a mix of native grasses, shrubs and trees or other landscape design that focus on species that are successful in Denver’s climate.”

Denver Community Planning and Development is the lead agency, working in partnership with other city agencies on the project. In FAQs on the website, it states that any new landscape requirements would apply to all new development, including what will be within the right of way and on private property. This includes all use types, including industrial, commercial and residential, and could also potentially apply to some redevelopment projects. While the overview documents don’t discuss use of compost to increase soil organic matter, the city has a long history of compost use. In 2008, Denver Water created its Soil Amendment Program which states that “before a newly constructed premise may be landscaped, property owners must amend their soil with compost so the soil more efficiently retains water. This rule applies to all new residential, commercial, government and industrial properties within Denver Water’s service area.”