In a move addressing water usage, a bill is making its way through the Colorado State Legislature that would greatly eliminate the presence of non-functional turf or ornamental grass in new apartment complexes.
The legislation, HB 1113, has been proposed by Democrat Representative Leslie Smith, and would also apply to such turf in condominium complexes.
The bill, if passed, would additionally require local governments to come up with their own policies and regulations governing the use of non-functional turf in all new residential developments beginning in 2028.
According to the Summit Daily newspaper, Smith said there is a need to “rethink how we build our communities.” The lawmaker added: “Drought-proofing our landscapes across the state will help us accomplish this.”
Other localities across the country have adopted similar measures. In California such turf will be banned on properties owned by local governments as of 2027, and on commercial and industrial properties the following year.
The bill follows earlier legislation that prohibits the planting or existence of such turf on any new or redeveloped government property, in particular medians and rights-of-way.
The measure has made it out of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee on a 9 to 3 vote, and is now under consideration in the full House. If it is finally approved, it would become law 90 days after the May 7 adjournment of this year’s session.
March 6, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
