Landscape Changes Impacting Developers

Landscape changes are coming to the City of Loveland, and there are a few things that developers need to know. In March 2026, the City of Loveland updated the Unified Development Code (UDC) to align with Senate Bill 24-005 (SB 24-005). SB 24-005 requires all commercial, industrial, and institutional property developers to adopt more water-wise landscape practices. This aligns with Loveland’s current UDC, since it prioritizes the conservation of water and environmental resources.

As part of the UDC update, Loveland has established definitions for functional and non-functional turf that are consistent with SB 24-005 guidelines. The City also reviewed and updated landscape standards to comply with SB 24-005, focusing on reducing the heat island effect and minimizing the use of water-intensive turf and plants.

Project Vision

The primary goal of the legislation is to promote water-wise landscaping materials and practices that prioritize soil health, efficient irrigation, and mulching. While the bill prohibits artificial turf and invasive plants, it allows communities such as the City of Loveland to determine permissible alternative landscape materials.

SB 24-005 Applicability

SB 24-005 applies to all new and some redevelopment projects on:

• Commercial, institutional, or industrial properties
• Common areas within community property, such as a business or homeowner association (HOA)
• Street rights of way, parking lots, medians, and transportation corridors, including those maintained by HOAs

SB 24-005 does not apply to:

• Single Family Residential lots
• Private lots within duplex, condominium, and townhome developments

The City of Loveland defines redevelopment as renovation, modification, or reconstruction of a subject property in which: More than 75 percent of the floor area of buildings on site are demolished and reconstructed; and a cumulative increase in the gross floor area of a building or use by at least 50 percent from the effective date of the UDC; or the value of new building permits exceeds two times the appraised value of the existing land and improvements.

This definition differs from the Senate Bill’s definition. The City is working to define which redevelopment properties will be subject to requirements.

Project Definitions

While the City of Loveland is working to create its own specific definitions, SB 24-005 defines turf, functional turf, and nonfunctional turf as shown below:

Turf - Turf, per Colorado Revised Statutes Section 37-60-135(2)(i), means continuous plant coverage consisting of non-native grasses or grasses that have not been hybridized for arid conditions. Generally, turf restricted under SB 24-005 will be cool-season varieties with high water demand, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescues. Native or climate-adapted turfgrasses are not restricted under SB 24-005.

Functional Turf - Functional turf means turf that is located in a recreational use area or other space that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes. This may include playgrounds, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters, portions of parks, and golf course playing areas.

Nonfunctional Turf - Nonfunctional turf means turf that serves no practical purpose or provides no recreational benefit, such as grass in street medians, parking lot islands, and sidewalks. In other words, it’s turf that is purely for aesthetic reasons.

Additional Project Definitions

Definitions included in the UDC update may differ.

Organic Ground Cover - Natural, biodegradable materials used to cover and protect soil in landscapes. Examples include wood chips, bark mulch, leaves, grass clippings, and pine straw. These materials help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating a healthier environment for plant growth.

Climate-Adapted Grasses - Naturally suited grasses that thrive in specific climate conditions, requiring less maintenance and resources. Examples include Buffalo Grass, Blue Grama Grass, and Bermuda Grass, which are adapted to hot and dry climates. These grasses require less maintenance and resources to grow.

Drought Tolerant Plantings - Plants that thrive with minimal watering, resisting damage from drought conditions. Examples include succulents such as Aloe, cacti such as Prickly Pear, drought-tolerant ground covers such as Sedum, ornamental grasses such as Blue Oat Grass, and shrubs such as Texas Sage.

Heat Island Effects - Urban areas that are significantly warmer compared to surrounding rural areas due to absorbed and retained heat from buildings, pavement, and other infrastructure. Urban parking lots and sidewalks, tall buildings and skyscrapers, and a lack of trees and green spaces can contribute to urban heat island effects.

Hydrozone - Landscaping that is grouped by similar water requirements, allowing for more efficient irrigation and water management. For example, hydrozones are designated based on factors such as plant type, soil, sun exposure, and slope. Hydrozone categories/plant groupings include high, moderate, low, and very low water usage.

Water-Efficient - Systems, practices, or products that minimize water usage while maintaining effectiveness. For example, rain sensors and drip irrigation systems optimize water distribution.