Aurora Proposed Changes to Landscaping Ordinances
The city seeks to reduce outdoor water consumption in commercial and industrial zoning districts.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Landscaping
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Aurora City Council has proposed amendments to the unified development ordinance to lower mandatory landscaping requirements. These changes aim to mitigate water usage across industrial, airport, and business zones during drought conditions.
Why it matters
Outdoor irrigation currently accounts for 40% of Aurora annual water use. These updates are intended to curb consumption and better manage the city’s water resources.
The ordinance aims to achieve an estimated annual water savings of 4 million gallons. While current code requires 75% of trees to be low-water varieties, the proposed changes mandate that all trees meet this low-water standard.
The players
Aurora City Council
The local governing body responsible for legislative decisions and land use ordinances within the city of Aurora.
The details
The proposal removes existing requirements for ornamental grasses and curbside shrubs in specified commercial and industrial zones while reducing tree requirements in parking lots. Landscaping buffers will remain mandatory between residential and non-residential properties.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The Aurora City Council held a study session regarding the proposed water ordinances.
Culture Shift
The proposed amendments to the city of Aurora unified development ordinance mark a localized shift toward water-conscious urban planning. By deprioritizing ornamental landscaping in favor of resource efficiency, the city is aligning its commercial standards with arid-climate sustainability trends.
Business owners in industrial and tech zones may see reduced landscaping maintenance costs due to the relaxed requirements for shrubs and ornamental grasses. These changes specifically apply to commercial development projects and will not alter residential neighborhood landscaping rules.
The takeaway
Cities in drought-prone regions are increasingly adjusting industrial codes to conserve critical water supplies. Property owners in commercial districts should review these upcoming changes to ensure future development plans remain compliant with revised tree requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards in Aurora Landscaping.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sentinel Colorado.
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Should cities reduce landscaping requirements for businesses to save water during drought conditions?
