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CASTLE PINES SERVICES

Landscaping in Castle Pines

Licensed landscaping services for Castle Pines and Douglas County. Outdoor spaces that inspire.

What Castle Pines requires

Code reference: While an earlier ordinance (Ordinance No. 16-08) adopted the 2015 IECC, state law (House Bill 22-1362) mandates that jurisdictions updating other building codes between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026, must adopt and enforce the 2021 IECC or an equivalent or more stringent code. Ord. No. 16-08

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Landscaping

Outdoor spaces that inspire

FREE PLANNING TOOLS

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Local Service

Landscaping Services in Castle Pines, Colorado

Autotelic provides professional landscaping services throughout Castle Pines and the surrounding Douglas County area. Full landscape design and installation including hardscape, softscape, irrigation, and landscape lighting. Whether you're in Castle Pines (south Douglas County) or nearby communities, our team delivers quality workmanship backed by Colorado licensing and full insurance coverage.

The build sequence for a Landscaping project

Every project starts with a feasibility study; this trade is priced from the same assemblies.

  1. Landscaping feasibility in Castle Pines
  2. How a Landscaping project is estimated

Start a Landscaping feasibility study

Permit Thresholds

Castle Pines permit thresholds

Code reference
The City of Castle Pines Building Department requires building permits for various residential remodel projects to ensure compliance with the 2021 International Building Code/International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Code reference
1-Stop Permits are for projects that do not require drawings for a plan review.
Code reference
Instead, the requirement for a permit is based on the *type* of work being performed, as detailed in the lists for 1-Stop Permits and Plan Review Permits.
Code reference
The City of Castle Pines operates under the 2021 International Building Code/International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Code reference
### Taxes and Fees (Based on 2026 Fee Schedule where available, or most recent provided)
Code reference
For example, according to the 2025 and 2026 Fee Schedules:
Code reference
For projects valued from $1.00 to $500.00, the fee is $42.00 (2025/2026).
Code reference
For projects valued from $501.00 to $2,000.00, the fee is $42.00 for the first $500.00, plus $5.45 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof (2025/2026).

Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **The City of Castle Pines Building Department (part of the City’s Community Development department) issues residential building permits.

Energy Code

Castle Pines energy code quick facts

Code reference
The City of Castle Pines, Colorado, operates under the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as its currently adopted energy code.
Code reference
While an earlier ordinance (Ordinance No. 16-08) adopted the 2015 IECC, state law (House Bill 22-1362) mandates that jurisdictions updating other building codes between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026, must adopt and enforce the 2021 IECC or an equivalent or more stringent code.Ord. No. 16-08
Code reference
The City of Castle Pines currently enforces the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which would trigger the 2021 IECC adoption requirement.
Code reference
Castle Pines is located in Climate Zone 5B.
Code reference
Here are key prescriptive requirements from the 2021 IECC relevant to remodels and additions in Climate Zone 5B:
Code reference
### Key Prescriptive Requirements for Remodels/Additions (2021 IECC, Climate Zone 5B)
Code reference
The following requirements apply to new construction and additions, and often to portions of existing buildings that are altered, as per the 2021 IECC and generally apply to residential applications.
Requirement
R-60
Ord. No. 16-08

Codes are amended regularly — verify current requirements with **The City of Castle Pines Building Department (part of the City’s Community Development department) issues residential building permits.

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What landscaping work covers in the Denver metro

Landscaping in the Denver metro commonly includes grading and drainage, sod or xeriscape planting, trees and shrubs suited to Front Range conditions, hardscape such as patios and walkways, fencing, and outdoor living elements. Commercial sites may also need parking-lot islands, screening, snow-storage planning, and maintenance access. A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the overall outdoor scope and the licensed specialty trades required when electrical, plumbing, or structural elements are part of the project. Cost is project-specific and depends on area, materials, access, and whether irrigation or lighting is included.

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Front Range climate and material choices

Denver-area landscaping has to handle freeze-thaw cycles, intense sun, hail, and limited water. Plant palettes often favor drought-tolerant and native or adapted species. Hardscape materials should be selected for freeze resistance and drainage, especially where snow melt and ice are expected. A practical plan also accounts for HOA or municipal design rules, utility locate requirements before digging, and how roof runoff and yard drainage will move water away from structures.

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Hardscape, irrigation, and outdoor living

Hardscape packages may include concrete or paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, steps, and outdoor kitchens or seating areas. Irrigation design should match planting zones and local watering rules. Low-voltage lighting and outdoor power, when included, are coordinated with the specialty trades that perform that work. Retaining walls, elevated decks, and structures with roofs or electrical service may trigger building permits. Scope should separate plant install from structural or utility work so inspections stay clear.

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Permits and who coordinates the work

Simple planting may not need a building permit, but grading changes, retaining walls, fences over local height limits, electrical outdoor circuits, and gas lines for outdoor appliances often do. Cities and counties license general contractors. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license. Autotelic acts as a municipally licensed Denver general contractor and coordinates licensed specialty trades when the outdoor package includes regulated work. Permit responsibility should be stated up front.

FAQ

Common questions

What should a Denver landscaping plan include?

Existing grades and drainage, planting zones, hardscape footprints, irrigation intent, utility locations, and any retaining walls or outdoor structures. Photos and a rough budget band help, but final pricing stays project-specific.

Who handles landscaping permits and licensing?

A municipally licensed Denver general contractor coordinates the project and the licensed specialty trades required for regulated portions of the work. Local city or county departments issue applicable permits. Colorado has no statewide general contractor license.

Is xeriscape practical for Denver yards?

Often yes. Drought-tolerant and adapted plantings reduce water demand when paired with soil prep, mulch, and irrigation zoning. The right mix depends on sun exposure, slope, and how the yard will be used.

How is commercial landscaping different from residential work?

Commercial sites usually need clearer access for maintenance equipment, parking and pedestrian circulation, snow storage, and longer-term durability of plantings and hardscape. Phasing around open businesses is common.

When do outdoor living features need a building permit?

Elevated decks, covered structures, retaining walls above local thresholds, and outdoor electrical or gas work commonly need review. Exact triggers depend on the city or county and the structure details.

Service Area

Serving Castle Pines and Douglas County

We serve Castle Pines, CO and all surrounding Denver metro communities. Our team is based in Denver and operates throughout the Front Range, from Castle Rock to Longmont and everywhere in between. Contact us for a free estimate on your Castle Pines project.

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