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Fact or Fiction - General Questions

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1. What's up with the new large black pole that was installed on Red Hawk Drive north of Thatch?

This is a small cell light pole installed by Verizon. (Another is in process further along Red Hawk, at Rosemary Drive.) These installations in Town-owned rights of way are allowed pursuant to Town laws and procedures. Learn more about cell sites in Castle Rock.

Posted Aug. 17, 2023

2. Does the Town require a tree in residential landscaping?

Trees are important to a landscape because their root structure stabilizes the ground and reduces erosion. Shade from trees also reduces a property’s energy and water needs. Therefore, trees are an essential part of the landscaping code for the Town. Developers are required to provide a tree when building, and homeowners should endeavor to maintain their trees and other vegetation according to those landscape requirements. 

Please refer to the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual (PDF) for landscape requirements. Homeowners should also check for any homeowners association requirements related to trees and other landscaping.   

Some homes may fall within an area subject to additional Skyline/Ridgeline Protection zoning regulations that have more specific vegetation requirements. View the Skyline/Ridgeline map (PDF). 

Posted on Aug. 16, 2023

3. Are some varieties of trees prohibited in Castle Rock?

The Town does not prohibit any trees for Castle Rock residents. There are, however, some limitations for commercial/non-residential properties. Landscapers for those properties must stick to Castle Rock Water's approved plant list (PDF). Additionally, some homeowners associations (HOA) may have restrictions on tree types. Check with your individual HOA before starting a landscape project.

While the Town does not prohibit anything for residents, there are some recommendations. The Plant Finder at CRconserve.com is a great resource. Additionally, we discourage residents from planting anything highly flammable like juniper or spruce trees.

Updated Jan. 21, 2022

4. Are there any requirements on what kind of trees developers are required to plant? Or seems like there are too many deciduous trees and not many native ponderosas which really define our town. Could

developers be asked to plant Ponderosas instead of deciduous?

Currently, developers must plant large-canopy deciduous trees along their streetscape and are allowed to have 50% deciduous and 50% evergreen trees throughout the rest of their project. Learn more about the requirements in the Landscape and Irrigation Criteria manual (PDF). While the manual incorporates requirements from several departments, changes would be managed through Castle Rock Water, and approved by Town Council.

5. Do you need to be a Castle Rock resident to be on one of the city boards (such as the art commission)?

A residency requirement exists to be a member of most Town boards and commissions. There are a few exceptions: members of the Design Review Board, Downtown Development Authority, Historic Preservation Board and the Public Art Commission are not always required to be residents, but they must meet other criteria as outlined in each group's bylaws. All other boards and commissions require members to be residents.

Posted on Feb. 10, 2021

6. Can an HOA within the city of Castle Rock restrict or limit the installation of artificial turf on a homeowners residential property?

The Colorado General Assembly in 2019 passed House Bill 1050. Among the legislation's provisions are that an HOA cannot prevent xeriscaping or hardscaping but may set standards for those landscapes. Please reference the legislation for additional detail: HB 19-1050 (PDF). Additionally, you may wish to contact the State's HOA Information and Resource Center, which serves as a resource for consumers to understand their basic rights and duties under the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act, for additional information: Colorado HOA Information and Resource Center website.

Posted Feb. 3, 2021

7. What's the scoop on why Castle Rock is not part of Regional Transportation District (RTD)?

Prior to 2005, portions of the Town were part of the Regional Transportation District, which operates the Denver area light rail and bus systems, along with other services. Service for Castle Rock was very limited, and residents did not believe they were getting adequate service for the amount of taxes paid. In 2005, Castle Rock residents voted "all out" of RTD and the associated sales tax.

8. Are there any additional supermarkets slated for Castle Rock?

The Town does not have any current developer inquiries for additional grocery stores. Grocery stores in Town currently include King Soopers, Safeway, Sprouts, Vitamin Cottage, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target and Whole Foods. As part of the Dawson Trails Planned Development a Costco is being planned. Costco could open at the same time the Crystal Valley interchange is completed, in approximately 2025.

Updated Dec. 29, 2022

9. How do I propose that an older ordinance get reviewed for adjustments?

Ordinances and the Town Code are generally changed through actions of Town Council at Council meetings. A constituent may address Town Council during unscheduled public comments at a Council meeting and/or contact his/her Councilmember regarding his/her proposal.

Updated Dec. 29, 2022

10. Does Castle Rock have a paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, and tin recycling program?

The Town does not provide trash removal or recycling services. Neighborhoods with homeowners associations may provide trash removal through the HOA. Those in areas without an HOA must obtain individual service. There is a community recycling center that operates 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at 701 Prairie Hawk Drive. Visit the Community Recycling Center website for additional information.

11. How do I ensure that my feedback becomes part of the official record of a Town Council meeting?

There are three ways to provide feedback for the official record of a Town Council meeting. First, you can attend the meeting and speak during the time allowed for public comment. Second, you can submit an email or call the contact listed for the agenda item for which you'd like to provide feedback. Finally, in some instances, there are online feedback forms set up on the Town's website to collect feedback on certain items on the Council agenda. You can view Council agendas.

12. Will you please provide the exact rules/laws for the use of personal fireworks when it is not the 4th of July?

As per Town Code 9.16.030, which addresses prohibited acts, no person shall use permissible fireworks except on the 4th of July between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. If the Town is under Fire Restrictions, no fireworks are allowed at all.

13. Is a short term rental allowed in Castle Rock?

The Town of Castle Rock does not regulate short term rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO. However, all businesses must obtain a Town business license and collect and remit applicable lodging and sales tax. You can find the business license application online.

14. When are Town Council meetings?

Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Town Council can also schedule special meetings. Get details on meeting dates and times, and see what’s on the agenda, at the Castle Rock Council page.

If you can’t attend in person, watch online or on TV. Town Council meetings are broadcast live, where you can also find a recording of the meeting the next day. Town Council meetings are also broadcast on Channel 22 for Comcast Cable Subscribers several times each day.

View Council's current agenda.

15. How can I receive emails about Town happenings?

Your Town is excited to connect with you! Get information straight to your inbox by signing up for various email lists. Some lists are based on projects. For general updates, sign up for the "News and Announcements" listing. For all lists, look for a confirmation email from NoReply@CivicPlus.com.)

Sign up for emails.

16. Where can I learn about events and open houses?

Check out the Castle Rock Town Calendar. There, you’ll find a calendar of upcoming events that includes everything from Town Council or Board and Commission meetings to special events, concerts, and neighborhood meetings or open houses. You can also sign up for emails from the calendar listings.

See a calendar of events.

17. Is it possible to opt out of door-to-door solicitation?

The No Knock List allows residents to opt out of door-to-door solicitation and sales. Any issues with a solicitor not following the guidelines of the Town No Knock ordinance may be reported to the Castle Rock Police non-emergency line at 303-663-6100. If possible, contact the police while the solicitor is still in your neighborhood. Please note, civic, religious, charitable or political causes are not required to register with the Town or held accountable to the No Knock ordinance requirements. Learn more at the No Knock List page.

Learn about the No Knock List.