EV Charging Update 

The Town of Dillon has received grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office and rebates from Xcel Energy to install Dillon’s first public EV chargers. The chargers will be located behind the Town’s digital sign on Hwy 6 next to Christy Sports. Currently we are ordering equipment and working out construction schedules for the installation next year. The Town is excited to provide electric vehicle charging for Dillon residents while expanding charging options along the I-70 corridor.

The Town of Dillon has worked with Xcel Energy and the Partners in Energy program to develop a Dillon Energy Action Plan to align with the goals set forth in the adopted 2019 Summit Community Climate Action Plan. The Dillon Town Council adopted initiated the implementation of the Dillon Energy Action Plan in October 2024. Not only does the Town wish to improve community-wide energy efficiency, we very much wish to save our community members money.

Let us you know thoughts on how the Town can implement strategies to achieve the goals identified in the Dillon Energy Action Plan and Climate Action Plan.

Dillon Energy Action Plan Survey.

Town staff have studied photo voltaic (PV), or solar panel, energy systems to varying degrees and have reviewed PV topics with the Planning Commission in several public meetings. Resolution PZ 04-25, Series of 2025 presents a Code amendment intended to increase the interest and streamline rooftop solar system installations in Town.

At the August 6, 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission, Resolution No. PZ 04-25, Series of 2025 was approved, incorporating solar panels into the rooftop mechanical equipment exceptions which are allowed to exceed the building height by 8 feet. Sec. 16-1-200.

Sign up for your FREE Home Energy Squad Visit!

The Home Energy Squad will come to your home and make it more efficient! Our energy experts will do things like swap out traditional bulbs for LEDs, weather-strip a drafty door, install energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, and install a smart thermostat with AC Rewards enrollment. Installation, labor, and materials are free - a $200 value. 

This visit offers professional installation of energy-saving equipment that may include: 

• LED bulbs 
• Weather stripping for an external door 
• Energy-efficient showerheads 
• Kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators 
• Smart thermostat installation with AC Rewards enrollment 
• Water heater temperature check 

Price: $50 FREE for a limited time 

Additional items are available for purchase during your visit, including: 

• Smart thermostats  
• Weather stripping for additional external doors 

Colorado Energy Office Home Energy Rebate Program

"The Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program will provide rebates to eligible Coloradans for high-efficiency electric appliances and whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates will lower upfront costs for projects that reduce energy use and make homes healthier and more comfortable. The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) will issue rebates through registered program contractors. These registered contractors will pass the rebate savings on as discounts to households and multifamily building owners and operators. CEO will offer two rebate programs:

• Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) will support high-efficiency electric appliances and other upgrades. HEAR rebates are now available to single-family households through registered contractors. Rebates for small multifamily buildings will be available in early 2026.
• Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) will support whole-home energy efficiency improvements. These rebates will be available to manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings in early 2026.

Rebate type and amounts will depend on home type, household income level, installed improvements, and/or expected energy savings."

Visit the Colorado Energy Office website to learn about their Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program that will provide rebates to eligible Coloradans for high-efficiency electric appliances and whole-home energy efficiency upgrades.

In the fall of 2025, fire mitigation efforts were made around the Town’s drinking water source. All vegetation within 30’ of the water diversion structure was removed and replaced with gravel.  

Town of Dillon, Water Diversion Structure

Laskey Gulch, which also contributes to Dillon’s drinking water, was cleared of debris and vegetation. The settling pond was dredged to remove the accumulation of sand from I-70. These efforts help safeguard our drinking water and ensure a reliable supply for the Town.

Laskey Gulch cleared 

Dredged settling pond

In 2021 the Colorado Water Conservation Board created the Wildfire Ready Watersheds Program to assist communities in planning and implementing mitigation strategies to minimize the lasting impacts of a wildfire. A statewide susceptibility study has been conducted to identify the susceptibility of life, safety, infrastructure, and water supplies to post-wildfire erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and water quality degradation.

Visit WildfireReadyWatersheds.com to view interactive maps, illustrations, videos, and podcasts that cover all aspects of the Wildfire Ready Watersheds program.

What exactly is a Xeriscape?

Colorado law regulates the manner in which associations are permitted to control landscaping and xeriscaping. It’s important to understand exactly what a “xeriscape” is. The Colorado Revised Statutes, at section 37-60-126(11)(b)(IV), defines “xeriscape” as “the application of the principles of landscape planning and design, soil analysis and improvement, appropriate plant selection, limitation of turf area, use of mulches, irrigation efficiency, and appropriate maintenance that results in water use efficiency and water-saving practices.” The legal definition of xeriscape does not include the use of paving or chipping in lieu of an attractive landscape.

In Xeriscape Colorado - The Complete Guide, authors Connie Lockhart Ellefson and David Winger write that “Xeriscape is a fancy, trademarked word for purposefully creating a beautiful, restful outdoor environment without consuming thousands of gallons of expensively purified water in the process. And we’re not talking gravel and cacti here (unless you love the particular exotic Southwest look). Xeriscape can easily be beautiful, lush and adaptable to most any landscape style, just as it was always intended to be.” For a discussion of the principles of xeriscaping, designing xeriscapes, and information on grass and plant selection – we recommend that you take a look at this excellent publication.

How has the Colorado Legislature Addressed Xeriscaping in Community Associations?

Following the drought of 2002 in Colorado, the issue of water conservation took center stage. The lush yards and green ways so commonly found in community associations required huge amounts of water to keep healthy and vibrant. Not only was water rationed for the purpose of the upkeep of grasses and plantings, but the costs associated with the little water available sky rocketed. As part of a much broader water conservation and drought mitigation plan, the Colorado legislature took action to regulate the types of landscapes that may be required by community associations.

Section 37-60-126(11)(a) of the Colorado Revised Statutes provides that “Any section of a restrictive covenant that prohibits or limits xeriscape, prohibits or limits the installation or use of drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes, or requires cultivated vegetation to consist exclusively or primarily of turf grass is hereby declared contrary to public policy and, on that basis, that section of the covenant shall be unenforceable.” In the statute, a “restrictive covenant” is broadly defined as “any covenant, restriction, bylaw, executive board policy or practice, or condition applicable to real property for the purpose of controlling land use, but does not include any covenant, restriction, or condition imposed on such real property by any governmental entity.”

What does this statutory provision mean? First, it means that associations cannot require residents to install landscapes made up of more than 50% turf grass. Turf grass is defined by statute as “continuous plant coverage consisting of hybridized grasses that, when regularly mowed, form a dense growth of leaf blades and roots.” Second, associations cannot require the installation of landscapes that do not permit the use of drought-tolerant vegetation. Third, associations can regulate the use of things like concrete, asphalt, rock and artificial turf since they are not considered xeriscape materials. Fourth, associations can require residents wishing to install a xeriscape - or to change an existing landscape to a xeriscape - to follow the association’s architectural submission and approval requirements. The requirements for traditional landscapes and xeriscapes should be consistent. Finally, associations are permitted to require residents to adequately water all landscapes, including xeriscapes, unless a water restriction is in place. Upon the lifting or expiration of a water restriction, associations must provide residents with a reasonable period of time to revive turf grass. If turf is not able to be revived, associations are permitted to require residents to replace the turf grass.

When you hear the word “xeriscape” it doesn’t necessarily bring to mind beautiful and lush landscapes. This is particularly true when the concept is misinterpreted to be a “zero-scape” – a yard characterized by chipping or paving. However, if you take a look around, we bet you will see aesthetically beautiful xeriscapes that assist in the conservation of our vital resource – water.

Xeriscape demonstration garden and photos click here

Don’t Drown Your Yard!

Just like a car, sprinklers need an occasional check-up. Sign up to get a free irrigation inspection and a customized watering schedule. Brought to you by the Town of Dillon, High Country Conservation Center, and Resource Central, a non-profit with 40+ years of conservation experience. Appointments are limited and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly!

 Water Smart Irrigation

Follow the Summit County Irrigation Schedule

• Water only as needed and no more than 3 days per week.
• If the last number in your address is even you are allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
• If the last number in your address is odd you are allowed to water Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Everyone should water overnight between the hours of 6pm – 9am to reduce evaporation loss. 
• For example, if you live at 135 Smith Rd. you can water Wednesday, Friday or Sunday evening starting at 6pm through the night until the next morning.

The Town of Dillon proudly recognizes the Corinthian Hill Property Owners Association (POA) for their proactive wildfire mitigation efforts and their successful achievement of Firewise USA certification. This milestone makes Corinthian Hill the first neighborhood in Dillon to receive this important designation, showcasing their commitment to reducing wildfire risk in the community.

The Firewise USA certification was awarded in 2024 following extensive mitigation efforts led by Corinthian Hill POA Vice President Claudia Pillow in collaboration with Hannah Ohlson, Wildland Specialist at Summit Fire & EMS. The initiative was made possible through the 2024 Summit County fire mitigation grant, which enabled the community to implement significant hazardous reduction steps.

Sixty-one homeowners participated in the project, and the POA engaged Summit Tree Service, owned by David LaCroix, to take fire mitigation actions on over 100 trees throughout the neighborhood. These efforts not only enhanced fire safety but also improved scenic views for many residents. As an additional benefit, homeowners may now be eligible for insurance discounts due to the Firewise certification. Furthermore, the POA has incorporated the Home Ignition Zone guidelines of Firewise USA into its governing documents, ensuring long-term commitment to fire safety.

Looking ahead, Pillow has developed a five-year action plan to further enhance fire mitigation efforts in Corinthian Hill. This plan includes a systematic approach to treatment zones, ongoing resident engagement, and continuous evaluation to ensure long-term wildfire resilience.

The devastating impacts of recent wildfires, including the LA and Marshall fires, serve as stark reminders of the importance of proactive wildfire mitigation.

“During this divisive time, one thing we can all agree on is protecting our homes and town from the dangers of wildfires,” Pillow stated.

The Town of Dillon acknowledges and commends the following individuals and organizations for their contributions:

• Claudia Pillow, Vice President, Corinthian Hill POA
• Corinthian Hill Property Owners Association
• Hannah Ohlson, Wildland Specialist, Summit Fire & EMS
• David LaCroix, Owner, Summit Tree Service

The Summit County Wildfire Council works to mitigate wildfire risk in Summit County, through implementation of the Summit County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The council also administers community wildfire grants that help residents and property owners reduce wildfire risk.

Visit the Wildfire Council webpage on the Summit County website for a schedule of meetings and to learn more about what the Wildfire Council is working on.

2024 Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant

On June 12, 2024, the Town received the 2024 Summit County Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant from the Summit County Wildfire Council. This grant helps communities in Summit County fund wildfire mitigation projects. Dillon was awarded $24,696. 

Through a cost share agreement with Summerwood and Denver Water, the Town helped develop a project that benefits everyone involved. The Town of Dillon maintained their fire break to prevent wildfires from spreading on the Nature Preserve. Denver Water reduced the risk of wildfire on their property. Summerwood decreased the chance of fire spreading to their neighborhood. 

Treatment Specifications included removal of standing and fallen dead and ladder fuels to 8’. Noxious weeds were sprayed for after the tree removal was complete. A total of 5.3 acres were mitigated. 

Below is a map of the project areas and pictures of before and after the project.

Before Images

After Images

In Summit County there are two ways to recycle. Single Stream is for recycling that is picked up at your house or HOA and then there are Drop off locations where you sort the recycling by material type.

Dillon has a Glass and RX Drop box. The Glass Drop Box is located in the Town Hall parking lot. Rx Drop Box is located in the entry to the Dillon Keystone Police Department.

For more information on Recycling Drop Off Locations or learn more about recycling in Summit County visit the High Country Conservation Center website.

Dillon Marina has been fortunate to partner with Driven Plastics to responsibly recycle the shrink wrap that is used during the winter season. Instead of sending this material to the landfill, collected shrink wrap is upcycled and they use it to improve the quality and cost of asphalt. This partnership helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and support a more sustainable marina operation. Through programs like this, Dillon Marina is committed to protecting the lake and surrounding environment for future generations. For more information, please visit their website About — Driven Plastics.

Visiting Dillon and Summit County without a car can be easy, worry free and is great for the environment by reducing emissions. A bonus is relaxing and enjoying the incredible scenery as you travel west from Denver or east from nearby Eagle County.

Getting Here:

Getting to Dillon and Summit County from Denver International or Eagle-Vail Airports you can grab a door-to-door ride on Summit Express or Epic Mountain Express. Coming in from downtown Denver the RTD Bustang drops you at the neighboring town of Frisco.

Want to try carpooling? Use TreadShare, a carpool app that connects drivers and passengers heading in the same direction in Colorado so they can share a route and split the associated costs.

Pro tip: Use GoI70’s travel forecast to help plan the best time to travel to avoid traffic!

Getting Around Dillon:

Once you arrive in Dillon, transportation options abound. To connect to nearby ski resorts, trailheads, shops, restaurants, key attractions, and event venues, the Summit Stage offers free and frequent service day and night throughout Summit County.

One of the most amazing natural attractions in the area is Dillon Lake. The Dillon Water Taxi is a great option for those looking to get out on the water. For an extra fee you can bring your bike onboard. Pick up the taxi at a scheduled stop to travel between Dillon and nearby Frisco or book it for a private charter.

Summit Stage/Bus Schedule 

The Summit Stage connects with a variety of public and private transportation services, offering convenient travel options both within Dillon and to surrounding areas.

Information and schedule are available on the Summit County Transit/Summit Stage Website.

Transit to Trails 

The Summit Stage and the Summit County Open Space and Trails Departments are excited to collaborate on expanding accessible transportation to local trailheads. The Transit to Trails program offers a free and convenient ride for recreators to reach some of Summit County’s most popular trailheads.       

Learn more on the Summit County Transit to Trails Website.

ADA Services/Mountain Mobility

Mountain Mobility offers year-round complimentary paratransit service for residents and visitors with qualifying disabilities. Eligible riders with an approved application can schedule trips to any destination in Summit County located within three-quarters of a mile of a Summit Stage route.

Learn more on the Summit County ADA & Paratransit Service Website.