Colorado has instituted Senate Bill 24-005, prohibiting the installation, planting or placement of “nonfunctional turf,” artificial turf or invasive species on commercial, institutional or industrial property.
According to the text of the bill, this action is one piece of a larger push to promote water-wise landscaping principals due to increased pressure on the state’s water resources.
The bill states:
“On and after January 1, 2025 2026, the bill prohibits local governments and unit owners' associations of common interest communities from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species on commercial, institutional, or industrial property, or a transportation corridor common interest community property, or a street right-of-way, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor. The bill also prohibits the department of personnel from allowing the installation, planting, or placement of nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plant species as part of a project for the construction or renovation of a state facility, which project commences on or after January 1, 2025.”
According to the bill’s text, this act takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the 90-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly. If a referendum challenge occurs, the bill’s implementation will be decided by the November 2024 general election.
