Soil Amendment Requirements#
City of Fort Collins' Ordinance 084, 2003 requires the addition of a soil amendment in areas that are cleared and planned to hold plants and grass.
A soil amendment is any material added to the soil to improve its physical properties. It can be compost, peat, aged manure or other material as approved.
Refer to the Soil Amendment Brochure for additional information.
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Complete a Soil Amendment Certificate and return to Building Services, 281 N. College Ave. Include the receipt showing the amount and type of soil amendment or a lab result showing proof that the soil added meets the topsoil requirements.
If unfavorable conditions, such as excessive rain or snow, prevent soil amendment application, obtain a Temporary Soil Amendment Waiver.
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- Reduces compaction
- Increases water capacity
- Conserves irrigation water
- Reduces watering frequency
- Promotes deeper root growth
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- Loosen the top 8 inches
- Till or mix 3 cubic yards of amendment/1,000 square feet into the top 6 inches of soil
OR
- Add 4 inches of topsoil that meets the following requirements referenced in the table below.
| Topsoil Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Sand | 20 - 75% |
| Silt | 5 - 60% |
| Clay | 5 - 30% |
| Organic material | 5% or more |
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| Topsoil must be free from noxious weeds, roots, salts, clay lumps and any non-soil materials (rocks, concrete, brick chips, building materials, foreign matter and any chemical, biological or radiological contaminants). | |
Exact language on soil amendment is provided in Municipal Code Secs. 12-130—12-132 and Land Use Code 3.8.21.
Contact Utilities for more information.
Did You Know?
Wearing an extra layer of clothing during the winter and lowering the thermostat a few degrees can help save money and energy.
Utilities offers incentives on ENERGY STAR®-certified clothes washers.
Lowering the water-heater temperature to the lowest comfortable setting saves money.