Public Space Maintenance and Management

Non-Irrigated Roadways: Vegetation is cut down to six inches and kept to a height of less than 12. The City of Greeley cuts from the roadway to the fence/property line, and trims along fences, around trees, signs and other infrastructure.

Natural Areas and Stormwater Structures: Paved and soft-surface trails are mowed at six inches and kept at a height of less than 12, for a 3-4 feet width on both sides. Native plants in open spaces and natural areas are typically left standing at their natural height unless weed management dictates otherwise. For plants and grasses in non-irrigated stormwater infrastructure, this must be done to ensure compliance with state and federal water quality requirements.

When developed properties directly touch natural areas and/or stormwater infrastructure, the city takes the “Good Neighbor” approach, mowing vegetation at a height of six inches for a minimum of 10 feet from the property line or 30 feet from a home structure, whichever is more. The 30-foot standard is based on current best management practices from organizations like the National Fire Prevention Association. These areas are kept at a height of less than 12 inches.

Weed management: Weed management is conducted through both proactive and reactive methods (e.g., spraying) to ensure alignment with city goals and state regulatory requirements.

Streets and Sidewalks: Ensuring the safe and efficient mobility of our community is our number one priority. To facilitate this, the City of Greeley has developed a prioritized approach to street and identified sidewalk plowing:

1. First: Areas near hospitals, fire and police stations, large employers and schools, as well as high-density traffic streets like 10th Street/U.S. Highway 34
2. Then: Key local streets and areas near other health care facilities
3. When the forecast warrants: Local and neighborhood roads

Learn more about snow and ice removal across Greeley, including priority maps.

Parks and Natural Areas: City staff remove ice and snow from all concrete sidewalks and trails in city parks and natural areas, prioritizing those with high usage, like those by schools and bus stops.

“No Parking” Snow Zones: For improved snow management and your safety, the community must avoid parking on certain signed streets when it snows. Always read signage to ensure compliance and to avoid your car being towed at your expense during a snowstorm. Learn more about public parking in Greeley.

Private Property: Per municipal code, Greeley residents must clear sidewalks adjacent to private property within 24 hours after the snow stops to maintain safety for sidewalk users. Learn more about private property responsibilities on our Code Compliance page.

Park Landscaping and Vegetation

City staff inspect and repair sidewalks and trails for trip hazards and other safety concerns daily. Crews aerate and fertilize lawns annually and perform both proactive and reactive weed management as needed. Park irrigation systems are tested weekly and repaired as necessary.

Staff chemically treat trees for damaging pests and prune trees near structures and gathering spaces every five to seven years, meeting the forestry industry’s standard.

Playgrounds, Equipment and Skate Parks: Our staff inspects playgrounds, equipment and skate parks daily to confirm they are clean and safe to use. Crews remove litter, graffiti and weeds, and empty trash cans. We also inspect the safety of surface structures and confirm overhead lights are in working order.

Athletic Fields and Spectator Areas: The City of Greeley keeps athletic fields play-ready and spectator areas cheer-ready!

• Dirt infields and grass fields: Water, drag, level and pack fields, removing debris and weeds; repair turf damage and wear zones
• Equipment: Inspect and repair components like goals and bases on the fields
• Spectator Areas: Inspect for structural safety and cleanliness and make necessary repairs

Shelters and Restrooms: City staff clean surfaces, stock supplies like toilet paper, remove trash daily; and ensure lights, doors, and hardware are all working properly.

Mosquitos: During mosquito season, which is typically June through September, the city’s mosquito contractor conducts weekly trapping of adult mosquitoes at 18 trap locations spread throughout the city to test for viruses. Spraying of mosquitoes is performed as needed. Learn more about how and why the city sprays for mosquitos.

Tree Pests: Staff perform annual inspections of city facility and park trees to look for common damaging pests like wood-boring insects and beetles. We chemically treat trees and other plants as necessary. Learn more about insect and pest control, including how you can protect trees on your private property.

Street sweepers remove debris from our streets and prevent it from entering our storm drains.

Sweeping Schedules

• Weekly: Downtown streets (Fridays, early morning)
• Monthly: Heavy-traffic streets, downtown alleys, city-owned parking lots
• Five times a year: Residential streets east of 47th Avenue, paved alleys
• Three times a year: Residential streets west of 47th Avenue (fewer mature trees and alleys)
• As needed: For events or as requested by City of Greeley departments

Learn more about how The City of Greeley maintains Greeley streets.