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 2025, the City of Loveland will update the Unified Development Code (UDC) to align with Senate Bill 24-005 (SB5) which goes into effect January 1, 2026. SB5 requires all commercial, industrial, and institutional property developers to adopt more waterwise 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 will establish definitions for functional and non-functional turf, consistent with SB5 guidelines. The City will also review and update landscape standards to comply with SB5, 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.

SB5 Applicability

SB5 applies to all new and some redevelopment projects on:

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

SB5 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 is different from the Senate Bill’s definition and City is working to define what redevelopment properties will be subject to requirements.

Project Definitions

While the City of Loveland is working to create its own specific definitions, SB5 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 SB5 will be cool season varieties that are classified as high-water demand such as Kentucky bluegrass or fescues. Native or climate-adapted turfgrasses are not restricted under SB5.

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 the playing areas of golf courses.

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 plants to grow.

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 like Aloe, cacti such as Prickly Pear, drought-tolerant ground covers like Sedum, ornamental grasses like Blue Oat Grass, and shrubs like 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.