Artificial turf in Parker, CO, where your site decides what the code allows.

Synthetic turf is out of landscaped areas, unless the Town approves an exception.

Parker writes its own development rules, and they are specific about plastic. Section 13.08.090 of the Land Development Ordinance says artificial landscape materials, synthetic turf among them, "are prohibited within landscaped areas" (Parker Municipal Code). That is the text of Supplement 26.1, codified through Ordinance No. 4.119, passed 23 March 2026, as checked on 12 September 2026.

The same clause lists the exceptions, each one "as approved by the Town": athletic or recreation facilities at public or private schools and on Town-owned property or parks; private outdoor recreational facilities; and pet relief areas for uses such as veterinary clinics, kennels or dog parks, where synthetic turf "may be considered." Even approved turf won't count toward a site's landscaping minimum, because non-living areas don't.

The code's definition of outdoor recreation runs to golf driving ranges, miniature golf and batting cages, but it doesn't say whether a private putting green counts under that exception. Ask the Planning Division before the layout is drawn.

A detached house is a different question from an apartment block.

Table 13.08.L sets how much of a site must be landscaped. Single-family attached sites need 35% of the developed area, multifamily 45%, mixed-use 25%, nonresidential 15% and downtown 10%, and 75% of that must be living material. For single-family detached homes and duplexes, both rows read n/a.

Table 13.08.M points the same way. The only landscaping type it marks for a detached house is streetscape: the strip between the curb and a detached sidewalk, or the eight feet behind an attached one, which residential owners must keep up. The code doesn't say how this applies when you re-landscape an existing home, so get Planning's answer in writing before you touch the strip by the street.

Timing matters too. The section applies in full to new development. On an existing site, a change that adds no building square footage doesn't have to add landscaping. An expansion of less than 75% of floor area brings a matching share of compliance, set by the Planning Director, and 75% or more brings full compliance.

An approved landscape plan changes only with two sign-offs.

If your property went through Site Plan review, its planting is part of the approval. Section 13.08.130 says the trees, shrubs and other materials on approved plans "shall be maintained in perpetuity, unless amended or modified by the Town," and dead plants must be replaced within 45 days, or by 1 June when the season prevents it (Parker Municipal Code).

The Town's LDO Administrative Manual, dated May 2024, has every landscape and streetscape plan carry a note: no change without prior approval from the Town and the Water and Sanitation District (Town of Parker). For an office park, a multifamily building or an HOA tract, a turf conversion starts with that plan. Pull the approved sheets, mark the areas you want to change, and ask Planning what amendment it needs.

State law adds its own limits at commercial and common-interest property; our guide to Colorado's turf law sets them out. And because Parker's code has subdivisions and condominiums create or join a homeowners' association when platted, the covenants are a third check.

Pet relief areas and play fields are where the code makes room.

Parker's use-specific standards require every commercial kennel to provide pet relief areas, and every pet grooming shop to provide and maintain one, clear of rights-of-way, easements, shared access and walkways (Parker Municipal Code). Those are the areas the landscape section singles out for synthetic turf, subject to the Town's approval.

Place the relief area where the use standards allow it, show the synthetic surface on the site plan, and get the Town's approval before the base goes in. We lay out pet turf with a drainage path and a rinse point, because a relief area needs regular washing down.

Schools and parks sit under the other exception. The Town's design criteria for new parks say open turf play areas "shall be provided with living or synthetic turf," and list ball fields with "Artificial turf preferred." For a school, club or facility field, start with our sports field turf page.

Three watering days, no midday sprinklers, and a discount to ask about.

If Parker Water and Sanitation District serves your address, your house number sets the days. Even numbers water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Odd numbers water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and so does every multifamily, HOA and commercial property. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and runoff, overspray and leaks count as waste (Parker Water). New sod needs a district permit to skip that schedule; turf needs no watering day at all.

The district has partnered with the South Metro Water Supply Authority on $750 turf removal discounts through Resource Central, first come, first served, and closing when the year's funds run out (Parker Water). The page doesn't say whether a synthetic lawn qualifies, so ask the district on 303-841-4627 before you budget for it. Our guide to metro water rebates covers how the Resource Central program is set up.