FAQs

SB5 does not apply to single-family residential lots or private lots in duplex, condominium, townhome, and mixed-use developments.

SB5 only applies to non-residential properties, though HOA common areas, street right-of-ways, parking lot islands, medians, and transportation corridors.

SB5 requires removal of non-functional turf for projects that require a Building Permit or any site-specific development plan. In the City of Loveland redevelopment means any 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.

Because these definitions of “redevelopment” vary, the City of Loveland is developing more specific guidance on how SB5 regulations apply to redevelopment applications through the UDC update process. See Section 18.19.03 of Loveland’s UDC for more information.

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 individual communities to determine permissible alternative landscape materials.

Loveland will develop specific standards and recommendations for landscape treatments through the UDC update process, including potentially updating the City of Loveland’s Plant List. While the Plant List may be updated, plants grouped into the “Low” and “Very Low” water usage categories are good examples of alternative options. In addition, some other desirable alternatives to traditional turf include native and other climate-adapted grasses, drought tolerant plantings, and organic ground covers that maintain vegetative cover. While the changes are not in effect yet, developers are encouraged to install water-wise landscapes in anticipation of the upcoming requirements.

Developers in Loveland are already required to comply with landscape regulations that prohibit certain plant species, including plants that are identified as noxious or invasive, as identified in the City of Loveland Plant List.

An application for approval of a site-specific development plan, as well as the approval, conditional approval, or denial of approval of such plan, are governed by the laws and regulations in effect at the time the complete application is submitted.

However, all applications submitted after the implementation of the updated UDC must fully comply with the new standards.

The Hydrozone Program is a voluntary program that promotes water efficiency for developments with water-wise landscapes. By participating, you'll contribute to a more sustainable future, optimize your water usage, and reduce costs.

To participate:

• Submit a hydrozone landscape plan. Learn more on the Hydrozone Program webpage
• Show a minimum 25% reduction in water usage compared to traditional Kentucky bluegrass irrigation, which typically requires around 30-40 inches of water per year

Loveland Water and Power will support participants by:

• Monitoring water budgets
• Guiding staying within allocated amounts
• Identifying opportunities for improvement if water budgets are exceeded

We're working closely with the UDC update process to align Hydrozone Program  requirements with planned updates related to turf.