Aurora Xeriscape Rebate Program | Lawn Ban?

Aurora Xeriscape Rebate Program | Lawn Ban?

Introduction

Hey there, Aurora homeowners! Are you looking for a way to conserve water, reduce your environmental footprint, and give your yard a beautiful makeover? Look no further! The city of Aurora, Colorado, has introduced the Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP), encouraging residents to replace their water-intensive lawns with stunning, low-maintenance, and drought-resistant landscapes. This exciting initiative not only saves water but also adds curb appeal to your home. As a leading landscape design company, LessLawn is here to help you take advantage of this fantastic rebate program. In this blog post, we'll explore GRIP's purpose, requirements, eligibility criteria, and benefits, as well as answer common questions and share some pro tips. 

 

How much money is at stake?

The GRIP rebate is paid out over two years to ensure the new landscape is being watered appropriately and the conversion reduces outdoor water consumption. Below are the main points regarding the rebate framework:

  • Maximum rebate of $4,000 (total materials + labor)
  • Up to $1,000 may be used for labor costs, delivery fees, tool rentals, or disposal costs.

The payment schedule for the rebate is as follows:

  • 65% of the rebate value is paid after completing the project and providing all necessary paperwork.
  • 35% of the rebate value is paid after one full growing season (April through October), pending realized water savings. Realized water savings are demonstrated through the water use analysis and outdoor use ≤ 110% of Recommended Water Use (RWU) per the Know Your Flow (KYF) program.
  • The rebate covers a wide range of eligible materials and expenses, including plants, rocks, mulch, soil, soil amendments, edging, fabric, landscape pins, boulders, concrete masonry units, retaining wall blocks, strip stone used within the approved project area, irrigation materials, construction of patios/sidewalks/driveway extensions, edging or other materials to keep organic or inorganic mulch off driveways or sidewalks, rain barrels, and materials for rain gutters.


Please note that the rebate amounts will be provided in the form of payments, likely as checks, after meeting the requirements and submitting the necessary paperwork.

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Background and Purpose

Living in beautiful Aurora, Colorado, we've experienced our share of dry spells and water shortages. To address these challenges, the city has developed the Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP). This innovative program incentivizes residents to swap out their thirsty grass for attractive, water-wise landscapes. Not only do these landscapes save precious water resources, but they also contribute to the overall charm of our community by encouraging sustainable landscaping practices. And let's not forget—they make maintaining your yard a breeze!

 


Program Requirements

To make sure GRIP meets its goals and benefits our community, the program has some essential requirements participants must follow:

  • Aurora Water must approve all projects before installation. Rebates are not retroactive.
  • Areas to be converted must have existing grass. See the Eligibility section for more details.
  • Only front and side yards that are readily visible to the public are eligible. Back and side yards behind a fence are not eligible.
  • A 500-square-foot minimum size applies to all projects, unless the project is either the entire front yard or the curbside landscape (the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street).
  • A phasing option is available. Each project phase must be a minimum of 500 square feet per year. There is a maximum of one phase permitted per year.
  • Program participation is divided into fall and spring cohorts. Participants can apply to participate in either cohort. See Cohort Structure for more information.
  • All single-family home participants are required to enroll in the Know Your Flow (KYF) program. For more information, visit the Know Your Flow website.

Aurora's conservation staff determine GRIP eligibility based on the following:
  • The condition of the existing lawn in the front yard based on several recent high-quality photos. Yards that contain barren soil or significant bare patches of soil do not qualify.
  • If you recently purchased your home, your property may be eligible for a partial rebate. Contact the office at 303.739.7195 to discuss eligibility.


Cohort Structure

  • Single-family home participants will be grouped into two cohorts, one starting in fall and one in spring. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend classes where they will receive education and guidance on water-wise landscape principles, designs, and installation techniques from Aurora Water Conservation staff.
  • Customers can submit online applications during specific periods to participate in their chosen cohort. Applications will only be available during the submission timelines listed in the program details.
  • Participants will need to submit their project designs for approval before starting their project and have the project installed by the deadlines outlined in the program details for their specific cohort.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I participate in GRIP if I have a small front yard?
A: Yes! While the program has a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for most projects, smaller front yardsa nd curbside landscapes (the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street) are also eligible. This means that even if your yard doesn't meet the minimum size requirement, you can still participate in the program and enjoy the benefits of a water-wise landscape.

Q: Can I use the rebate to redo my backyard?
A: Unfortunately, no. GRIP only covers front and side yards that are visible to the public. Back and side yards behind a fence are not eligible for the program. However, you can still take advantage of our expertise at LessLawn and apply water-wise landscaping principles to your backyard to create a stunning, low-maintenance oasis.

Q: How much can I expect to save on my water bill after participating in GRIP?
A: The amount you save on your water bill will depend on the specific landscape design and plant choices. However, by replacing high-water turf with drought-resistant, water-wise landscaping, you can significantly reduce your water usage and potentially save hundreds of dollars annually on your water bill.

Pro Tips

Choose native plants: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and typically require less water and maintenance than non-native species. Plus, they attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

Incorporate mulch: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reduces evaporation, and keeps the soil cooler. By adding a layer of mulch around your plants, you can minimize water loss and keep your plants healthy.

Group plants with similar water needs: By grouping plants with similar water requirements together, you can create hydrozones, making it easier to manage your irrigation system and reduce water waste.

Invest in efficient irrigation: Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and smart irrigation controllers can help ensure that water is delivered efficiently and directly to your plants' roots, minimizing water waste and promoting healthy growth.

Don't forget about hardscaping: Hardscaping, such as patios, walkways, and seating areas, can add functional and beautiful elements to your water-wise landscape. These features can reduce the amount of turf in your yard and create a low-maintenance space for outdoor living.

Next Steps & Further Reading

Next Steps:

  • Review the resources mentioned above to become familiar with water-wise landscaping principles, native plants, and sustainable gardening practices.
  • Contact Aurora Water Conservation to inquire about the GRIP program, application deadlines, and the necessary paperwork: 303.739.7195
  • Schedule a consultation with LessLawn to discuss your project ideas and receive professional guidance.
  • Attend workshops and classes offered by Aurora Water Conservation staff to learn about water-wise landscape principles, designs, and installation techniques.
  • Create a plan for your landscape transformation, incorporating native plants, efficient irrigation, and other water-saving features, and submit it to Aurora Water for approval.

By exploring these resources and taking these steps, you'll be well-equipped to create a beautiful, water-wise landscape and take advantage of the GRIP rebate program in Aurora, Colorado.Here are some resources for further reading and next steps to help you learn more about water-wise landscaping, native plants, and water conservation programs:

Further Reading:

  • Aurora Water Conservation: The official website of Aurora Water Conservation provides information on various water-saving programs, tips, and resources. Visit their website to learn more about GRIP and other initiatives: https://www.auroragov.org/residents/water/water_conservation

  • Colorado State University Extension: CSU Extension offers a wealth of information on water-wise landscaping, native plants, and sustainable gardening practices. Check out their resources on Xeriscaping and other water conservation topics: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/

  • Plant Select®: Plant Select® is a collaboration between Colorado State University, Denver Botanic Gardens, and horticulture professionals. Their website offers a plant database featuring water-wise and native plants suitable for Colorado landscapes: https://plantselect.org/

  • Colorado Native Plant Society: CoNPS provides resources, plant lists, and educational materials to help you learn about native plants in Colorado and their benefits for water-wise landscaping: https://conps.org/

  • EPA WaterSense: The Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program offers resources and tips for water conservation in outdoor and indoor settings. Check out their resources on water-efficient landscaping: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/landscaping-tips

  • Alliance for Water Efficiency: AWE is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water efficiency. Their website features a library of resources, case studies, and best practices for water conservation: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/