Steamboat Springs, Colorado-April 2, 2026-The City of Steamboat Springs is advancing proposed updates to landscaping requirements for commercial and multi-family developments, aimed at improving water conservation, reducing wildfire risk, and modernizing landscaping standards.
“The goal of these updates is to create clear, practical standards that reflect our community’s goals as they relate to the local environment and the realities of building and maintaining landscapes in a changing climate,” said Bob Keenan, Development Review Manager. “We’re focusing on water efficiency, wildfire resilience, and giving property owners and designers the tools they need to make smart, sustainable choices.”
Developed by city planning staff with input from local and state partners, the proposed changes align with the community’s long-range plans for climate action, water conservation, watershed protection, and hazard mitigation, while also meeting recent state requirements.
The updates focus on more efficient water use and fire-resistant landscaping practices for development types other than single-family residential properties. Proposed changes include reducing high-water turf, requiring more efficient irrigation systems and smart controllers, and introducing a suggested plant list that emphasizes drought-tolerant, regionally appropriate species. The code also incorporates defensible space principles by limiting flammable materials near structures and requiring ongoing maintenance.
In addition to environmental improvements, the proposal streamlines existing standards to make them easier to use, removes outdated provisions, and introduces flexibility to address site-specific constraints.
Planning Commission is scheduled to review the updates on April 9, followed by City Council hearings on May 5 and May 19. If adopted, the new standards would take effect July 1, 2026, allowing time for education and transition.
The community is encouraged to participate in the public process by attending hearings or submitting comments through the city’s website. Questions may be directed via email to Bob Keenan, Development Review Manager. Draft documents, including the proposed code updates and plant list, and meeting dates are available for public review on EngageSteamboat.net.
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Contact
Email Bob Keenan, Development Review Manager, or call 970-871-8260
Email Rebecca Bessey, Planning and Community Development Director, or call 970-871-8278
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220