After analyzing the Landscape Architects Professional Licensing Act (Act), the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) released a report (www.aslacolorado.org/resources/advocacy) recommending the renewal of licensure but the sunset of the State Board of Landscape Architects.

In previous sunrise reviews (1995, 2002 and 2005) DORA recommended against regulating LAs. Despite the recommendation, the Colorado General Assembly created a licensure program (SB 07-107), which also created the five-member State Board of Landscape Architects (Board).

DORA's review did not find any instances of consumers harmed by LAs, licensed or unlicensed. Because SB 07-107 "created an environment where local governments rely on the standards prescribed by the state to ensure that LAs are competent to practice," DORA recommended the Act continue until 2028, at which time the next review will take place.

The Board comprises three licensed landscape architects (at least three years experience required) and two public members without personal or financial interest in landscape architecture. The governor makes these appointments. The Board is responsible for imposing discipline on practitioners for violations of the Act. DORA found the Board rarely disciplines practitioners, but when it does, it is for practicing without a license. Between fiscal years 10-11 and 14-15, the Board took 15 disciplinary actions. Only $2,000 in fines were levied. With the limited actions taken by the Board, DORA recommended the Board's responsibilities be transferred to a single director. The intent is to streamline regulation, while providing a marginal savings for the state. The Board functions will terminate July 1, 2017, barring any action from the state. ASLA Colorado "has a strategy and support for introducing and advancing a reauthorization bill in the legislature in the 2017 session."