Welcome to the Parkway Landscaping Minor Amendments page!#
Example of a new planting plan created by a resident.
Zoning is here to support you in your journey to beautify your parkway strip!
Whether you're improving a weed problem or removing irrigated turfgrass, we are here to help.
A parkway strip is also know by dozens of other names, often on a quite regional scale. What we call a parkway strip in Fort Collins may also be familiar to you as a grass strip, nature strip, curb strip, road verge, hell strip or tree lawn. They are the areas between the outside edge of the sidewalk and the inside edge of the curb. They are owned by the City and maintained by property owners.
Changes to the parkway strip require City approval through a Parkway Landscape Amendment. There is no charge for this approval process.
How can I get started?#
Fill out an Parkway Landscaping Amendment application.
Items you will need to include with the application are:
- Landscape Plan:
- Call out the dimensions of the parkway,
- Call out the location of proposed plantings,
- Add a note to the plans that states, "50% of the parkway will be live plant matter at plant maturity." Please note that trees do not count toward this calculation. Refer to our online vegetation database to determine the size of each plant species at full maturity.
- Call out non-plant ground cover (mulch, rock cobble, etc.). If using rock cobble, make sure the rocks are 2-inch diameter or smaller.
- Please include the common and scientific names of the proposed plants. You can find these in our online vegetation database.
- Irrigation Plan:
- Show details of how the parkway will be irrigated (location of drip lines, sprinkler heads, etc.)
- If no changes will be made to the existing irrigation, please note that on the plans.
- If you will just be hand watering, that is fine. Just make a note on the plan so we know.
- Tree Protection Notes:
- Please review these standard tree protection notes, and add the ones from "D. Tree Protection Notes" that are applicable to your project.
Once you are ready to submit your application, please email the Development Review Coordinators with your application and all associated documents at drcoord@fcgov.com. Project submittal deadlines are Wednesday of every week by 3:00 pm. Staff comments will be emailed back to applicants on Fridays, two weeks following the submittal.
What other resources do you have?#
Here are some more helpful resources:
City of Fort Collins online vegetation database, which also contains the scientific names for plants.
Adding biodiversity to your parkway strip: Design Guide.
Nature in the City, including access to grant money for your project.
Xeriscaping resources, including incentives for City of Fort Collins Water Utilities customers.
Tips for planting trees.