Senate Bill 24-005 (SB5) requires Colorado communities to prohibit nonfunctional turf, nonfunctional artificial turf, and invasive plant species on new and redeveloped nonresidential properties starting Jan. 1, 2026. Implemented effectively by local governments, the bill presents an important opportunity for reducing outdoor water demand in Colorado in the face of ongoing drought, climate change, and population growth.
Beginning in November 2024, Western Resource Advocates (WRA) and Brendle Group (the project team) worked with communities around the state to support local adoption and implementation of SB5 requirements. This project was funded by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and guided by a Technical Advisory Committee. Project activities included an initial assessment of SB5 awareness and understanding, development of educational resources, extensive outreach, one-on-one technical assistance to local governments, and a follow-up implementation survey and research effort to assess implementation status and challenges.
This report assesses statewide progress towards SB5 adoption and identifies barriers and challenges to full implementation. Results are presented in aggregate, and no individual communities are identified in the report.
