Three layers of rules
People mix these up, so keep them apart. State law limits what an HOA can ban. A second state law limits what cities may allow on certain kinds of property. Your city or town then sets its own yard rules on top. Below we take each layer in turn, then look at a few cities. This is general information, not legal advice. Check your city and your HOA before you buy.
HOA rules: SB23-178
SB23-178 became law in 2023. Under it, HOA rules cannot prohibit xeriscape, drought-tolerant landscaping or nonvegetative turf grass. Rules also cannot prohibit nonvegetative turf in the backyard.
A few limits are worth knowing:
- It covers single-family detached homes only. Townhomes, attached homes and condos are outside it.
- The bill says "nonvegetative turf grass" instead of the word "artificial."
- An HOA cannot unreasonably require hardscape on more than 20% of the landscaping area, cannot prohibit vegetable gardens, and must preapprove at least three front-yard designs.
- HOAs can still set design and appearance rules, so ask for architectural approval anyway.
If an HOA breaks the rule, you can send notice and give it 45 days to cure. After that, you can sue for up to $500 or actual damages. Our HOA approval guide shows what to submit.
State limits on turf: SB24-005
Since January 1, 2026, local governments may not allow nonfunctional turf, artificial turf or invasive plants on commercial, institutional and industrial property. The same goes for common interest community property, rights-of-way, parking lots, medians and transportation corridors. Artificial turf on athletic fields of play is exempt.
A Western Resource Advocates guide says the law does not reach existing development or new residential development, and that applicable property does not include residential private property. In plain terms, SB24-005 does not ban turf on your private single-family home. It does matter for businesses and HOA common areas, which is why our commercial turf work starts by asking whether the turf is functional.
New development and the 2028 deadline: HB25-1113
A 2025 law added multifamily buildings with more than 12 units to the covered property list, with that limit starting January 1, 2028. It also defines functional and nonfunctional artificial turf. By 2028, local governments must adopt standards that cut irrigation demand in other new residential development. It does not ban turf on existing single-family homes. For a new build, local rules vary, so 2028 is the date to watch.
PFAS: one rule for every install
Since January 1, 2026, Colorado prohibits installing artificial turf with intentionally added PFAS on any property in the state. Turf installed earlier can stay and be maintained. The rule covers backyards too, so ask for manufacturer documentation. Details are in our PFAS-free turf guide.
City snapshot
Cities write their own yard rules, and several updated their landscape codes in 2026. Use this table as a starting point and call your city for the current text.
| City | What the city says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thornton | A minor planning permit is required for detached and duplex homes. The rear yard has no limit. Front and other areas are capped at 25% of the landscape area. PFAS-free documentation goes with the permit. | City permit packet |
| Westminster | Allowed in single-unit and duplex development when not next to a street, park or open space. In practice, that means back yards. A front-yard pilot ended and the existing interpretation stays. | City landscape FAQ |
| Longmont | Landscape standards effective January 1, 2026 prohibit nonfunctional turf, including artificial turf, in new development and redevelopment. Call the city about an existing yard. | City landscape page |
| Broomfield | Rules vary. Ask the city. | Call the city |
| Boulder | Rules vary. Ask the city. | Call the city |
| Louisville | Rules vary. Ask the city. | Call the city |
| Denver | Denver has been working on a landscape update aimed at new development. Ask the city how it applies to your address. | Denverite, Aug. 2025 |
For Erie, Lafayette, Superior, Northglenn, Firestone and Frederick, call the city's planning office before you order. We check your city and HOA before we quote.
What this means for your project
- Single-family detached home with an HOA: backyard turf is protected. Get design approval, and check the front yard separately.
- Condo, townhome or attached home: SB23-178 does not cover you. Read your covenants and talk to the board.
- Business, institution or HOA common area: expect SB24-005 limits unless the turf is functional or on an athletic field of play.
- Any property: get PFAS documentation, and confirm your city's permit or yard rules before work starts.
Common questions
Can my HOA ban artificial turf in Colorado?
For single-family detached homes, SB23-178 says HOA rules cannot prohibit nonvegetative turf in the backyard. It does not cover condos or attached homes, and HOAs can still apply design rules.
Is artificial turf banned in Colorado?
No. State limits under SB24-005 target commercial, institutional, industrial and common-area property. A Western Resource Advocates guide says private residential property is not covered. City rules and the PFAS install rule still apply.
Do I need a permit for artificial turf?
It depends on the city. Thornton requires a minor planning permit for detached and duplex homes. Elsewhere, call your city's planning office before you start.
Sources
- Colorado SB23-178 (HOA water-wise landscaping)
- Colorado SB24-005 (nonfunctional turf)
- Colorado HB25-1113
- Western Resource Advocates: SB24-005 key considerations guide
- CDPHE: Colorado PFAS laws
- City of Thornton: Minor Planning Permit, Artificial Turf
- City of Westminster: Landscape changes FAQ
- City of Longmont: landscape regulations
- Denverite: Denver turf grass regulations for new development (August 14, 2025)
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.