The purpose of this Article is to protect and enhance Edgewater's environmental, economic, recreational, and aesthetic resources by promoting the efficient use of water in Edgewater's public and private landscapes, reducing water waste, and establishing procedures for the design, installation, and maintenance of water efficient landscape and irrigation systems.

Landscaping can serve to improve the visual quality and compatibility within and between developments and differing land uses. It provides green spaces that improve site permeability, reduce urban heat island impacts, and contribute to the reduction of erosion and stormwater runoff, and, in a number of studies, are essential for long term well-being. In addition, landscaping can promote biodiversity and habitat for pollinators through planting a mix of native and drought-tolerant shrubs, trees and grasses.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Effective January 1, 2024, the landscaping requirements of this Article shall apply to all of the following projects, excepting the requirements of Section 16-34-30, which shall apply to all property within the City:

(i)

All development projects, that involve: new construction of a primary structure; and replacement or remodeling of an existing primary structure resulting in more than five hundred (500) square feet of additional gross floor area.

(ii)

Construction of new streetscapes, medians, and rights-of-way.

(iii)

Construction of new parking lots containing ten (10) or more parking spaces, and the redesign or reconfiguration of existing parking lots containing ten (10) or more parking spaces.

(1)

Exception: Does not include painting and restriping projects that do not disturb soil or asphalt.

(b)

Within the boundaries of the properties to which this Article applies, these standards shall apply only to those ground surface areas actually disturbed by construction and development activities.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Plant material requirements.

(i)

Plant selection. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site. To encourage the efficient use of water, the following are highly recommended:

(1)

Protection, preservation, and installation of native, pollinator species and natural vegetation.

(2)

Selection of plants based on disease and pest resistance.

(3)

Consider the solar orientation for plant placement to maximize summer shade and winter solar gain.

(ii)

Minimum quality standards. All plant material shall meet or exceed the plant quality and species standards of the current American Standard for Nursery Stock.

(iii)

Installation.

(1)

The installation of all required plant materials shall comply with the specifications of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado.

(2)

Plant materials shall be spaced appropriately to allow adequate room for the plant at maturity.

(iv)

Minimum plant size. Plant material shall be installed in the following minimum sizes:

(1)

Shrubs: Minimum five-gallon container.

(2)

Deciduous trees: Minimum two-inch diameter measured six (6) inches above the ground.

(3)

Evergreen trees: Six (6) feet minimum height.

(4)

Ornamental grasses and perennials: One-gallon container.

(v)

Hydrozones. Plants are to be hydrozoned with plants that have a similar water requirement. For example, plants of a very low hydrozone are not to be planted in a moderate to high hydrozone.

(vi)

Cool season turf limits.

(1)

No cool season turf or overhead irrigation is permitted in landscaped areas less than eight (8) feet wide.

(2)

No cool season turf or overhead irrigation is permitted in areas with slopes greater than twenty-five percent (25%).

(vii)

Preferred turf species.

(1)

Include Buffalograss, Blue grama, Native shortgrass prairie mix, cold-hardy Bermudagrass, or other native or adapted seed or seed blends with lower demand than cool season turfgrass.

(2)

There is no limitation on the use of preferred turf grass species.

(viii)

Water wise plant material minimum.

(1)

At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total landscaped area must be planted with non-irrigated, very-low or low water use plants.

(2)

Water wise plants may be identified through water wise plant list references, including, but not limited to: Plant Select; the Colorado State University Extension Fact Sheet on Xeriscaping; the Colorado Native and Water Wise Grass Guide; Greeley's Plant Finder; https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/native/FrontRange.pdf..

(ix)

Tree minimums.

(1)

In all required landscaped areas, except streetscapes, medians, and rights-of-way, one (1) tree shall be planted for each two thousand square feet (2,000) of lot area not covered by a building or required parking.

• Exception. Tree requirements may be reduced based on specific site conditions if approved by the Community Development department.

(x)

Prohibited plants. The following plants may not be installed as landscaping:

(1)

Plants listed as an invasive species by the Colorado State University Extension Service;

(2)

Plants listed on the Colorado and Jefferson County Noxious Weed List;

(3)

Ash (Fraxinus species);

(4)

Aspen (all Populus Tremoloides species and cultivars);

(5)

Cottonwood (all species);

(6)

Tamarisk (all species); and

(7)

Russian Olive (all Elaeagnus Agnustifolia species and cultivars).

(8)

Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumia); and

(9)

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus sp.)

(b)

Non-living landscape material requirements.

(i)

Soil amendment. The existing soil shall be amended with a minimum of four (4) cubic yards of organic matter soil amendment per one thousand (1,000) square feet of landscaped area, tilled into the soil to a depth of not less than six (6) inches.

(ii)

Mulch.

(1)

Organic mulch including bark and wood chips is the preferred mulch treatment around all plant material and shall be applied:

a)

At one (1) cubic yard per eighty (80) square feet at a depth of four (4) inches, and as appropriate to each species.

b)

To the soil surface, not against the plant stem or base of tree trunks to minimize disease.

(2)

Inorganic mulch including rock, gravel, or cobble shall:

a)

Have a minimum depth of two (2) inches.

b)

Recycled rubber for landscape use is discouraged, however, may be considered for playground use.

(iii)

Artificial landscape materials prohibited. Artificial landscape materials including trees, shrubs and synthetic turf, are prohibited within landscaped areas.

(iv)

Landscape fabric. Landscape fabric may be used underneath mulch to reduce weeds. Plastic is not allowed.

(v)

Water features.

(1)

Shall recirculate water and be designed to reduce evaporation.

(2)

Wind shut off devices are required.

(3)

Hot tub and pool covers are strongly recommended.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Living plant material requirements.

(i)

Front yard. A minimum living plant material coverage of sixty-five percent (65%) of the landscaped area, at maturity, in the front yard is required.

(ii)

Backyard. A minimum living plant material coverage of fifty percent (50%) of the landscaped area, at maturity, in the backyard is required.

(iii)

Side yard. No living plant material is required.

(iv)

Tree canopies shall not be included in the calculation.

(b)

Cool season turf limits.

(i)

Cool season turf shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total landscaped area.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023; Ord. 2025-16 §13, 2025)

Editor's note— Ord. 2025-16 §13, 2025, adopted June 17, 2025, amended the title of § 16-34-40 to read as herein set out. The former § 16-34-40 title pertained to required landscaping for single-family and two-family residential properties.

(a)

Living plant material requirements.

(i)

A minimum coverage of sixty-five percent (65%) of the landscaped area, at maturity, is required. Tree canopies shall not be included in the calculation.

(b)

Cool season turf limits.

(i)

Cool season turf shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total landscaped area.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023; Ord. 2025-16 §14, 2025)

Editor's note— Ord. 2025-16 §14, 2025, adopted June 17, 2025, amended the title of § 16-34-50 to read as herein set out. The former § 16-34-50 title pertained to required landscaping for multi-family properties.

(a)

Living plant material requirements.

(i)

A minimum coverage of sixty-five percent (65%) of the landscaped area, at maturity, is required. Tree canopies shall not be included in the calculation.

(b)

Cool season turf limits.

(i)

No cool season turf is permitted.

(ii)

Exception. Cool season turf installed in active or programmed recreation areas may exceed this limit if approved by the Community Development department.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

Except as otherwise provided herein, this section applies to the construction of new parking lots containing ten (10) or more parking spaces, and the redesign or reconfiguration of existing parking lots containing ten (10) or more parking spaces.

(a)

Living plant material requirements.

(i)

Interior areas of the surface parking lot shall include vegetated swales located below the vehicle parking surface, located and designed so that stormwater from the vehicle parking surfaces flows into such swales to the maximum extent practicable.

(ii)

Vegetated swales shall be located so that no more than ten (10) vehicle parking spaces shall abut each other. Each group of not more than ten (10) vehicle parking spaces shall be separated from others by a vegetated swale or by a driving aisle or driveway giving access to the individual parking spaces.

(iii)

Each required vegetated swale shall be at least eight (8) feet in width, and shall be at least twenty (20) feet in length, located to border the entire length or width of each vehicle parking space or group of vehicle parking spaces.

(iv)

Each required vegetated swale shall include at least one (1) deciduous or evergreen tree, which shall be separate from other trees by at least thirty (30) linear feet, and shall include at least six (6) shrubs per thirty (30) linear feet of the vegetated swale.

(b)

Cool season turf limits.

(i)

Cool season turf is not permitted in interior areas of the parking lot.

(c)

If the strict application of the requirements of this section would result in the inability of the parking area, or the project or land use that it serves, to meet the applicable off-street parking and loading requirements of Section 16-3-160 of this Code, the applicant may request relief from the requirements of this section. Such request must be submitted in writing, explain the basis therefor and be filed with the Community Development Director. The Community Development Director shall render the City's final decision on the request in writing and may grant only such relief as is necessary to allow the area or project to meet the parking requirements.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Living plant material requirements.

(i)

A minimum coverage of fifty percent (50%) of the landscape area, at maturity, is required. Tree canopies shall not be included in the calculation.

(ii)

Plant material shall accommodate environmental conditions associated with streetscapes, medians and rights-of-way, including heat, salts, chemicals, pollution, pet waste, and snow removal.

(iii)

To the maximum extent possible, salt tolerant plant material shall be selected from the City of Greeley's Plant Finder List.

(iv)

Sight distance triangles are free from visual obstructions by plant materials and provide a safe view of traffic and pedestrians.

(v)

City water, sanitary sewer, and drainage infrastructure are protected and able to be maintained or replaced.

(vi)

Water features are not allowed.

(b)

Cool season turf limits.

(i)

Cool season turf and overhead irrigation is not permitted.

(c)

Street tree requirements.

(i)

A minimum of one (1) deciduous tree for every forty (40) linear feet of landscaped area within ROW is required, when possible.

(ii)

seventy-five percent (75%) of street trees shall be large canopy deciduous shade trees.

(iii)

Alternative plant material cannot be substituted for any tree requirement.

(iv)

All street trees must be permanently irrigated.

(v)

A tree planted within the front yard of a private property may be counted towards the minimum tree requirement.

(1)

For streets with attached sidewalks, a tree planted within sixteen (16) feet from back of street curb.

(2)

For streets with detached sidewalks, a tree planted with twelve (12) feet from back of sidewalk.

(vi)

Street tree spacing and location.

(1)

Spacing may be adjusted for driveways and streetlights.

(2)

Trees shall be planted a minimum of forty-two (42) inches from the face of a street curb, whenever possible.

(3)

Trees shall not be planted closer than thirty (30) feet from the face of a street curb at intersections and street corners.

(4)

Under no circumstance shall trees be planted within sight distance triangles.

(5)

A minimum distance of ten (10) feet shall be provided between trees and buildings or trees and fences.

(6)

For large canopy deciduous shade trees, the minimum planting width is six (6) feet wide.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Irrigation requirements.

(i)

New landscaped areas, with the exception of edible produce and native plants and grasses that do not require supplemental irrigation post-establishment, shall be watered by a permanent automatic irrigation system.

(ii)

Automatic rain shutoff sensors shall be installed.

(iii)

Manual shut-off valves (such as a gate valve, ball valve, or butterfly valve) shall be required, as close as possible to the point of connection of the water supply and to isolate sections of mainline on larger systems, to minimize water loss in case of an emergency (such as a main line break) or routine repair.

(iv)

Smart irrigation controllers labeled by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Program or with published reports posted on the Smart Water Application Technologies website are required.

(v)

Master shut-off valves and flow sensors, integrated with the automatic irrigation controller, are required.

(vi)

Dedicated landscape water meters shall be installed for all irrigated landscapes of five thousand (5,000) square feet or more.

(vii)

Sensors (rain, freeze, wind, soil moisture etc.), either integral or auxiliary, that suspend or alter irrigation operation during unfavorable weather conditions or when sufficient soil moisture is present shall be required on all irrigation systems.

(viii)

Shall be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage, overspray, or other similar conditions where irrigation water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures. In order to reduce runoff, and maximize sprinkler effectiveness, maximum application rate shall be one and one-quarter (1.25) inches per hour.

(ix)

Six (6) inch minimum pop up height in turf areas is required for all spray heads and rotors.

(x)

Check valves or anti-drain valves are required on all sprinkler heads.

(xi)

The irrigation systems shall be designed to ensure that the operating pressure at each emission device is within the manufacturer's recommended pressure range for optimal performance.

(xii)

All irrigation emission devices shall meet the requirements set in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, ASABE/ICC 802-2014 "Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard" authored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and the International Code Council and verified by an independent third-party.

(xiii)

The design of the irrigation system shall conform to the hydrozones of the landscape design plan.

(xiv)

Sprinkler spacing shall be designed to achieve the highest possible distribution uniformity using the manufacturer's recommendations. Spacing must achieve head-to-head coverage. Minimum acceptable distribution uniformities shall be sixty percent (60%) for spray head zones and seventy percent (70%) for rotor zones.

(xv)

The irrigation system must be designed and installed to meet, at a minimum, any water windows or restrictions for operation such as day of the week and hours of the day.

(b)

Hydrozone requirements.

(i)

Each remote control valve shall irrigate a hydrozone with similar microclimate, soil conditions, slope, and plant materials with similar water demand.

(ii)

Sprinkler heads and other emission devices shall be selected based on what is appropriate for the plants and soil type within that hydrozone.

(iii)

In mulched planting areas, the use of low flow irrigation is required for any vegetation that will exceed twelve (12) inches mature height.

(iv)

Where feasible, trees shall be placed on separate valves from shrubs, groundcovers, and turfgrass to facilitate the appropriate irrigation of trees. The mature size and extent of the root zone shall be considered when designing irrigation for the tree.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023; Ord. 2025-16 §15, 2025)

Editor's note— Ord. 2025-16 §15, 2025, adopted June 17, 2025, amended the title of § 16-34-90 to read as herein set out. The former § 16-34-90 title pertained to required irrigation for all multi-family, commercial, civic and institutional properties.

(a)

Each applicant subject to this Article shall submit a landscape design plan as part of its application for a new or amended site development plan (SDP) or planned unit development proposal (PUD); right-of-way excavation permit; or parking facility building permit, as applicable.

(b)

For commercial, multi-family, civic and institutional properties, an irrigation plan shall also be submitted alongside the landscape design plan.

(c)

The plan shall be prepared and signed by a Colorado licensed landscape architect or certified/licensed landscape contractor, excepting plans for a single-family dwelling detached and two-family dwellings.

(d)

The landscape and irrigation design plan shall include the following elements:

(i)

Project data sheet:

(1)

Date;

(2)

Project name and/or address;

(3)

Applicant or applicant's agent's name, address, phone number, and email address;

(4)

Landscape architect's name, address, phone number, and email address (if applicable);

(5)

Landscape contractor's name, address, phone number, and email address, (if applicable and available at this time).

(ii)

A landscape design plan that shall contain, at a minimum:

(1)

A scaled plan with a north arrow showing property lines, easements, city rights-of-way, street names, existing or proposed structures, impervious surfaces and existing natural features;

(2)

Plant material calculations:

a)

Total landscape area (square feet);

b)

Landscaped area (square feet) containing live plant material and the percentage of the total landscaped area;

c)

Landscaped area (square feet) containing non-living mulch and the percentage of total landscaped area;

d)

Landscaped area (square feet) containing water wise plant material and the percentage of total landscaped area;

e)

Landscaped area (square feet) containing cool season turfgrass and the percentage of total landscaped area.

(3)

Delineated and labeled hydrozones with specified water use categories (non-irrigated, very low, low, moderate, high).

a)

Proposed plants listed by common and botanical names within each hydrozone.

(4)

Location, type and depth of mulch to be applied.

(5)

Location, type and quantity of soil amendments.

(6)

Type and location of swimming pools, hot tubs, and other water features.

(7)

Any existing trees or plants to be removed or retained.

(8)

Identify location and installation details of any applicable stormwater best management practices that encourage infiltration or harvesting of stormwater. Except for Section 16-34-70, Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements, stormwater best management practices are encouraged in the landscape design plan and examples include, but are not limited to:

a)

Infiltration beds, swales, and basins that allow water to collect and soak into the ground.

b)

Pervious and porous surfaces such as permeable pavers or pervious concrete that minimize runoff.

c)

Rainwater harvesting or catchment technologies such as rain gardens or rain barrels.

(9)

Signature of Colorado licensed landscape architect or certified/licensed landscape contractor (if applicable).

(iii)

For commercial, multi-family, civic and institutional properties, an irrigation plan shall be drawn at the same scale as the landscape design plan and shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

(1)

A scaled plan with a north arrow showing property lines, easements, city rights-of-way, street names, existing or proposed structures, impervious surfaces and existing natural features;

(2)

Location and size of the point of connection to the water supply and meter locations along with static water pressure at the point of connection to the water supply and dynamic pressure for proper system operation;

(3)

Location, type and size of all components of the irrigation system, including, rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, manual shut off valves, remote control valves, master valve, flow sensor, smart irrigation controller, main and lateral lines, manual valves, sprinkler or rotor heads, pressure regulators;

(4)

An irrigation legend showing the identification of irrigation components;

(5)

Flow rate (gallons per minute), application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure (pressure per inch for each irrigation zone;

(6)

Installation details for each of the irrigation components;

(7)

A recommended irrigation and maintenance schedule;

(8)

Signature of Colorado licensed landscape architect or certified/licensed landscape contractor.

(e)

Seasonal application requirement. Landscape and irrigation inspections are weather dependent. Due to the extreme variability and unpredictability in temperatures, precipitation, and reduced daylight hours inspections will not be performed between November 1st and March 1st.

(i)

A landscape collateral agreement will be issued for all applications filed between November 1st and March 1st of any calendar year.

(ii)

To guarantee future installation of landscaping and irrigation, the depositor shall provide collateral to the City in cash, which shall be forfeited if the associated irrigation and landscaping is not completed per submitted plans and an inspection is not passed prior to July 15th of the subsequent irrigation season.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Landscaping certificate of compliance. Prior to inspection by the City, the landscape architect or certified/licensed landscape contractor must inspect and certify that all landscaping and irrigation are in substantial compliance with the landscape and irrigation plans approved as part of the development order. If applicable, an as-built landscape plan highlighting changes to the approved plans must be included with the certificate. The landscape architect or certified/licensed landscape contractor must submit a signed and sealed letter of compliance to the Community Development department along with a final landscape inspection request.

• Exception: Landscaping certificate of compliance is not required for a single-family dwelling detached and two-family dwellings.

(b)

Inspection of landscaping. All landscaping installed pursuant to an approved landscaping and irrigation design plan shall be initially inspected by the City for compliance with the approved plan after installation. The City may thereafter periodically inspect the landscaping to ensure ongoing compliance. Persons in control or possession of property, whether as owner, manager, tenant or other, shall allow City representatives access to all areas necessary to perform such inspection upon the presentation of City credentials and reasonable notice.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

(a)

Violation. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this Code for any person to fail to comply with the requirements of this Article.

(b)

Violators may be cited into Municipal Court and, upon conviction, subject to the penalties set forth in Code Section 1-4-20.

(c)

Violations of this Article are also subject to the Administrative Enforcement process set forth in Article 8 of Chapter 7 of this Code.

(d)

The City shall not issue a certificate of occupancy (CO) for any structure, or portion thereof, for which a CO is required until all requirements of this Article related to said structure are satisfied.

(e)

The remedies and enforcement mechanisms set forth in this Section are cumulative in nature.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)

For all properties located within the City, the property owner shall keep all landscaping in a well-maintained and healthy growing condition. The following actions are to be taken as needed:

(a)

Watering, fertilizing, weeding, cleaning, mowing, edging, mulching, pruning, trimming, or other maintenance as needed and in accordance with acceptable horticultural practices. Areas of native or naturalized landscape are exempt from this level of maintenance. Acceptable maintenance of native plants includes, but is not limited to, removal of dead or diseased plants, weed control and seasonal mowing.

(b)

Mowing cool season turf grass to a preferred height of three and one-half (3½) inches, in order to promote root growth and reduce water requirements.

(c)

Removal of trash and weeds.

(d)

Removing dead and dying plants.

(e)

Removing and replacing dead and dying plants that are required by an approved landscaping plan, within two (2) months of their death except during adverse weather conditions.

(f)

Replenishing non-living landscape materials such as mulch, which no longer covers the area which they were originally deposited so as to achieve full coverage to a minimum depth of four (4) inches for organic mulch and two (2) inches for inorganic mulch.

(g)

Irrigation systems are to be monitored and adjusted periodically to ensure that the water demands of all plant materials are being met.

(h)

Irrigation system repairs shall be made within seven (7) days of discovery of damage, unless seasonal conditions prohibit repairs.

(Ord. No. 2023-12, §1, 11-14-2023)