--- title: "Turf Replacement in the Denver Metro | TIMELESS Grass & Greens" description: "Replace worn artificial turf in the Denver metro: what Colorado's PFAS rule asks of the new turf, and how four metro cities treat a replacement." url: https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/turf-removal-and-replacement/ --- Denver Metro # Turf removal and replacement in the Denver Metro, starting with your city's rules. Your old turf can stay, but since 2026 new turf can't contain intentionally added PFAS. Find your city below to see whether its landscape rules reach the job. - Know what Colorado's PFAS rule asks of the new turf - See whether your city reviews a replacement - Plan the job before the old turf comes up [Request a free estimate](https://www.timelessgrass.com/estimate/) [Call 303-349-2368](tel:3033492368) - Layout approved before installation - American-made turf - Free estimates, no pressure The short answer ## Can I replace old artificial turf in the Denver metro? Yes. Colorado law doesn't stop you maintaining turf installed before 1 January 2026. Since then, no one may install turf with intentionally added PFAS statewide, so get documentation for the new turf. Whether your city's code reaches the job depends on the property. Planning a turf installation? Get a layout, turf options and a written quote for your space. [Request a free estimate](https://www.timelessgrass.com/estimate/?use=Replace%20old%20turf) [Call 303-349-2368](tel:3033492368) We’ll call to arrange a free site visit. Before you install ## What to know before you start. The rules in short. We measure and check the ground at a free visit, then draw a layout that fits. [Request a free estimate](https://www.timelessgrass.com/estimate/) [Call 303-349-2368](tel:3033492368) - ### Colorado's PFAS rule Since 2026, new turf can't contain intentionally added PFAS anywhere in the state, though keeping turf installed earlier is fine. Get the maker's written PFAS statement before you approve a replacement product. See the rule on colorado's pfas rule Old turf can stay. New turf can't contain intentionally added PFAS. Since 1 January 2026, Colorado law says a person shall not install artificial turf that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals on any portion of property in the state ([SB24-081](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/46185/download)). That includes your back yard. The same section says nothing in it prohibits maintaining turf installed before that date. It doesn't say where maintaining ends. The state turf law defines maintaining, for its own article, as an action to preserve the existing state of turf that has already been installed ([SB24-005](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/45372/download)). Neither law spells out a full replacement, so plan on the new turf meeting the PFAS rule. Before you approve a product, get the maker's written statement and check whether it covers the backing and infill as well as the fibers. Our [PFAS article](https://www.timelessgrass.com/blog/does-artificial-turf-contain-pfas/) has the background. - ### Northglenn Northglenn exempts most home landscaping, but its materials list still points to the city's own turf regulations. Ask Planning and Development whether those apply to your lot before the old turf comes up. See the rule on northglenn In Northglenn, find out whether the turf rules reach your home lot. Northglenn's landscaping section applies to new development and land uses and to some expansions. It exempts site landscaping improvements at an existing single-family home, duplex or manufactured home, except for two parts: site area landscaping and the list of appropriate landscaping materials ([Northglenn Municipal Code 11-4-7](https://municode.northglenn.org/ch11/content_11-4.html)). That list allows artificial ground cover "pursuant to" the city's artificial turf regulations. Those regulations are what's at stake on a [Northglenn](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/northglenn-co/) lot. They call for old groundcover removed, compacted porous road base, anchored edges and seams, and no slope over six percent. They also require "replacement of the artificial turf when maintenance or repair is unable to simulate a healthy living turf". The code doesn't say outright whether all of that follows the materials list onto a home lot, so ask Planning and Development before the old turf comes up. - ### Brighton Brighton's landscape code exempts most repairs to an existing home unless design review applies. Where it applies, turf must percolate at least 5 inches an hour, so ask Community Development whether yours is exempt. See the rule on brighton In Brighton, a swap at an existing home or site may fall outside the landscape code. [Brighton](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/brighton-co/)'s landscape standards are written for new development ([Brighton Land Use Code 8.01](https://library.municode.com/CO/Brighton/codes/land_use?nodeId=ART8LASIDEST_8.01INAP)). Repairs and improvements to an existing detached house or duplex are exempt. The exception is work subject to Site Improvement or Residential Design Review, or part of a larger neighborhood or subdivision plan. So are repairs and improvements to any existing development that don't grow its building footprint or impervious surface by more than 10%. Where the standards do apply, the turf and any underlayment need a percolation rate of at least 5 inches an hour. Turf "shall be replaced when it is no longer simulating the infiltration properties of sod or native grasses" ([Brighton Land Use Code 8.04](https://library.municode.com/CO/Brighton/codes/land_use?nodeId=ART8LASIDEST_8.04PLSP)). Ask Community Development whether your replacement is exempt. - ### Thornton Thornton requires a Minor Development Permit and PFAS documentation before turf goes in, so ask whether a replacement needs one. Keep the file: compliant paperwork means a product later found to contain PFAS may remain. See the rule on thornton In Thornton, plan for a permit and keep the PFAS paperwork. [Thornton](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/thornton-co/) Water's 2026 turf rules, published for its water-wise landscape rebate, say a Minor Development Permit is required before artificial turf is installed as landscaping ([Thornton Water](https://www.thorntonwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-residential_artificial_turf_info__rules-1.pdf)). PFAS documentation goes in with the permit application, and the test is stricter than state law: a maker's statement that covers the whole PFAS class, or published testing that the maker didn't carry out. Keep that file after the job. The same rules say a product later found to contain PFAS may remain in place if the applicant complied with the documentation requirements. They also list replacement of the turf when maintenance or repair cannot simulate a healthy living turf. Ask the Planning Department's Planner of the Day whether new turf where old turf was needs the permit. - ### Westminster In Westminster, back-yard turf has in practice gone in without City review, but HOA common areas and commercial sites need a development plan amendment. A rewrite is under way, so ask which rules apply. See the rule on westminster In Westminster, a back yard and a common area are reviewed differently. [Westminster](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/westminster-co/)'s landscape regulations, effective 1 September 2004, allow artificial turf in single-family detached or duplex yards not next to a street, park or open space. They say replacement is required when the City determines the turf no longer visually mimics a healthy living lawn (Westminster Landscape Regulations). The city's April 2025 FAQ says residents have in practice put turf in back yards without restrictions or City review. Landscape changes on HOA common areas, commercial sites and public rights of way need an Official Development Plan amendment (City of Westminster FAQ). A rewrite is under way, and the city says it is prospective and not retroactive. Its May 2026 public review draft leaves the effective date blank. It would apply the landscape chapter to an existing development without an approved plan covering landscaping once landscaping changes by at least 200 square feet or five percent, whichever is greater. It would allow turf in rear yards of single-unit lots and in recreation areas, with a planted buffer of at least four feet from any impervious surface (Westminster draft code). Ask planning@westminsterco.gov which rules apply when you replace, and whether a like-for-like swap counts as a change. [Request a free estimate](https://www.timelessgrass.com/estimate/) [Call 303-349-2368](tel:3033492368) What we install ## Turf replacement for your space. - [### Turf replacement Replace worn turf with the existing base, edges and drainage considered before the new installation. See turf replacement](https://www.timelessgrass.com/services/turf-removal-and-replacement/) FAQ ## Questions about turf replacement in Denver Metro. ### Is a turf replacement on HOA or business land a redevelopment project? Only if it needs a building or landscaping permit, plan check or design review and disturbs more than half of the aggregate landscape area. That test matters because, from 1 January 2026, cities, counties, towns and districts may not install or allow nonfunctional artificial turf in new development or redevelopment on applicable land ([SB24-005](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/45372/download), as amended by [HB25-1113](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/82792/download)). That land includes commercial, institutional and industrial property, HOA common property, and streets, parking lots and medians. Turf in a space regularly used for civic, community or recreational purposes, which may include a playground or sports field, counts as functional. The [Colorado turf law guide](https://www.timelessgrass.com/guides/colorado-turf-law/) covers the rest. ### Does Thornton's rebate pay toward replacing old artificial turf? Not under its 2026 rules. To qualify, the turf must replace high-water lawn, such as Kentucky bluegrass, on an existing lot, or an area with no landscaping on a new-construction lot. Old artificial turf is neither, so budget without the rebate unless Thornton Water confirms otherwise. ### I'm in Denver, Aurora or Lakewood. What applies to a replacement? Two rules apply everywhere: the state PFAS rule, and on HOA or business land the redevelopment test above. For the city side, ask the planning office whether replacing existing turf needs a permit or plan approval. The [Denver](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/denver-co/), [Aurora](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/aurora-co/) and [Lakewood](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/lakewood-co/) pages cover each city's other turf rules. ### What should I have ready for the visit? Photos of where the old turf is flat, lumpy or holding water, any letter from your city or association, and the old turf's installation or product paperwork if you have it. On HOA or business land, add the landscape plan and the total landscaped area. Once you approve the layout, we handle site prep and a base built for your soil. Then the new turf is laid, seamed and edged, with infill, finishing, cleanup and a walkthrough of the care it needs. See the [turf replacement service](https://www.timelessgrass.com/services/turf-removal-and-replacement/) for more. Areas we cover in Denver Metro - [Northglenn, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/northglenn-co/) - [Brighton, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/brighton-co/) - [Thornton, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/thornton-co/) - [Westminster, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/westminster-co/) - [Denver, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/denver-co/) - [Aurora, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/aurora-co/) - [Lakewood, CO](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/lakewood-co/) - [Everywhere we work in Denver Metro](https://www.timelessgrass.com/denver-metro/) Useful links - [Colorado General Assembly: SB24-081 signed act (C.R.S. 25-15-605, artificial turf and PFAS)](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/46185/download) - [Colorado General Assembly: SB24-005 signed act (C.R.S. 37-99-102 and 37-99-103)](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/45372/download) - [Colorado General Assembly: HB25-1113 act as passed (amends C.R.S. 37-99-102 and 37-99-103)](https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/82792/download) - [Northglenn Municipal Code: Article 11-4, section 11-4-7 applicability, landscaping materials and artificial turf regulations](https://municode.northglenn.org/ch11/content_11-4.html) - [City of Brighton Land Use code: 8.01 Intent and Applicability (Ord. No. 2438, 1-2-2024)](https://library.municode.com/CO/Brighton/codes/land_use?nodeId=ART8LASIDEST_8.01INAP) - [City of Brighton Land Use code: 8.04 Plant Specifications (Ord. No. 2438, 1-2-2024)](https://library.municode.com/CO/Brighton/codes/land_use?nodeId=ART8LASIDEST_8.04PLSP) - [Thornton Water: 2026 Artificial Turf Rules for Water-Wise Landscape Rebate (dated 1 January 2026)](https://www.thorntonwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-residential_artificial_turf_info__rules-1.pdf) Free estimate ## See the plan before you decide. Tell us about your project and we’ll call to arrange a free visit. [Or call 303-349-2368](tel:3033492368) Your free estimate includes - A visit to measure your space - A custom layout, drawn for your space - Turf options, side by side - A written price, with no pressure to sign [Request a free estimate](https://www.timelessgrass.com/estimate/) Five short steps. We’ll call to arrange your visit.