In 2024, the Colorado state legislature adopted SB24-005 Prohibition of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, and invasive plant species. This bill is one of several that aims to reduce statewide water demands.

The bill required communities to adopt and enforce local ordinances on or before January 1, 2026 to prohibit the installation of new nonfunctional turf, nonfunctional artificial turf, and invasive plant species on non-residential properties for new development and some redevelopment projects.

While the bill’s goal is clear – to reduce wasteful watering practices in our communities – many communities were left with questions about how to interpret and implement the bill requirements into their own local codes. With funding from a Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Plan Grant, Brendle Group and Western Resource Advocates (WRA) gathered feedback from communities to understand which portions of the legislation were unclear and what information communities needed to update their codes accordingly. The project team developed seven key resources to help communities update their codes and processes in accordance with SB24-005. Resources included template code language, sample communications for developers, and template presentations for leadership. In addition to developing resources responsive to community-identified needs, WRA and Brendle Group provided technical assistance to 11 communities.

Lessons learned from the effort, as well as considerations for how to support communities in implementing water-wise legislation will be summarized in a report that is expected to be released in mid-2026.