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Housing Changes Up Front

Gravel and Rock Driveways, Mulch and Rock Yards Allowed With Caveats

City Council recently approved changes that allow more flexibility for approved driveway materials and water-friendly front yards.

The first change involves driveway surfaces. Prior to these amendments, driveways were only permitted to be built with hard-surface materials that included concrete. Now, rock and gravel driveways are also allowed. They must include an approved landscaping barrier differentiating between driveway areas and landscaping areas.

The second change provides residents with the option to rock or mulch most if not their entire front yard. However, in order to do this, minimum landscaping requirements are required. The chart below describes the minimum landscaping for these situations.

Please contact the Planning Division at development@northglenn.org or 303.450.8739 with any questions.

Front Yard Size

Minimum Landscaping Needed for Mulch or Rock Yards

1,000 square feet (sq. ft.) or less

One tree – and – either three shrubs (5-gallon) or a combination of 10 ornamental grasses or perennial flowers

1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft.

One tree – and – either four shrubs (5-gallon) or a combination of 12 ornamental grasses or perennial flowers

More than 2,000 sq. ft.

Two trees – and – either three shrubs (5-gallon) or a combination of 10 ornamental grasses or perennial flowers