Draft Proposals: September 2023

October 1, 2023 Update:

With careful consideration of community input, Board and Commission input, and input from staff in impacted departments, the following policy proposals have been developed. They will be subject of discussion at the October 10, 2023 City Council Work Session.

Limit cool-season grass (turf) in new development and redevelopment
This proposal would impact all properties seeking approval for new or significant redevelopment of a property including the front yards of single-unit dwellings.

As used in this proposal, irrigated turfgrass with a high-water requirement means sod forming grasses that require 10 or more gallons per square foot per season of supplemental water. This includes species such as Kentucky bluegrass and turf-type tall fescue and their varieties and cultivars.

For single-unit dwellings: Irrigated turfgrass with a high water requirement cannot cover more than 30% of the total landscape area of a front yard, not to exceed a maximum area of 1,000 square feet.

For all other properties: Irrigated turfgrass with a high water requirement cannot cover more than 30% of the total landscape area of the property, not to exceed a maximum area of 10,000 square feet. Exceptions may include recreational and active play areas and other high-use areas.

For front yards and all other properties:

• Properties shall not contain any artificial turf
• Parkways attached to the common irrigation system of a property are not considered part of the total landscape area.

Expand irrigation efficiency standards

Trees: All development plans shall show dedicated subsurface or on-surface irrigation to all new and existing trees on-site.

Highly efficient irrigation standards for residential properties: All development plans on residential front-yards must show high-efficiency equipment and design standards.

Watering window: All properties within Fort Collins city limits shall not use overhead irrigation (e.g., pop-up sprinklers) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to irrigate turf and landscaping, May through September. Staff are engaging in conversations with raw water users in the city to learn whether the same type of limitation on raw water could be considered in the future.

• Exceptions may include:
  • Properties establishing grass seed or sod.
  • Maintenance of the irrigation system that requires turning on overhead irrigation during the watering window; a maintenance worker or landscaper needs to be seen on the property while the zone is turned on.

Increase flexibility, compliance, and enforcement in existing soil amendment code

• Define standards for soil compaction and soil quality
• Remove barriers for implementing soil standards in a way that is most beneficial and sustainable - allow consideration of existing soil and/or plant type for optimum establishment and growth.
• Clearly define thresholds for applicability
• Implement comprehensive field inspection program for all sites including landscape projects that impact more than 1,000 square feet of the area of an existing property

Tree Policy

Tree-related policies have been strong in Fort Collins for several decades and have created the urban tree canopy that we have here today. However, with the demands of development, redevelopment, and additional pressures on the canopy, the proposed policy updates create a stronger focus around tree preservation and protection. The goal is to save more trees and create a more resilient urban forest related to, but not limited to, the built environment pressures, water shortages, a changing climate, and the introduction of future invasive pests. Proposed updates include:

• Improved mitigation standards incentivizing tree preservation
• Creation of separate street tree escrow and timeframe for tree replacement responsibility
• Strengthened penalties for tree damage violations or healthy tree removal
• Improved tree diversity requirements
• Improved tree protection during construction