The Definitive Xeriscape & Rebate Guide for Commercial & HOA Turf Conversions
Water is the new “rent” for Colorado landscapes. From Boulder to Castle Rock (and Lakewood to Parker), utilities are paying commercial properties and HOAs to rip out thirsty turf and install water-wise xeriscape.
This guide is written so you can drop it straight into Squarespace, with Header 3s as section titles, and no Water is the new “rent” for Colorado landscape. It’s focused on active programs applicable to commercial, multifamily, and HOA properties and is designed to position Energyscapes as the go-to expert for rebate strategy and implementation.
Use this guide to:
See which programs exist in your municipality or water district
Understand rebate amounts and requirements
Learn the step-by-step process to apply and collect funds
Advise property managers how to leverage these programs strategically
In short, how to transform this…
Into this water-wise, cost-saving xeriscape…
City of Boulder
Boulder’s main support for turf conversion is through the Resource Central Lawn Replacement Program, with extra funding from the city.
Key points (relevant to small commercial/multifamily, especially smaller areas):
Boulder water customers can get up to $500 in discounts toward turf conversion via Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program.
Minimum project size is typically 200 sq ft of healthy, irrigated turf.
The discount shows up as a reduction in the cost of the turf removal service or project, not as a check.
How to capitalize:
Confirm the property is a City of Boulder water customer.
Apply through Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program and select Boulder as the water provider.
Use this for smaller pilot areas (entry beds, small lawns) at multifamily or small commercial sites.
Who to contact:
City of Boulder Water Conservation staff and program details are listed on the city’s Water Conservation page.
Resource Central handles turf removal logistics and scheduling.
Advice to property managers:
Position Boulder’s support as a “pilot budget” for a test conversion (e.g., 200–400 sq ft).
Use the pilot to demonstrate water savings and aesthetics, then propose larger, self-funded conversions once results are visible.
City & County of Broomfield – Large Property Turf Replacement
Broomfield has one of the clearest large-property turf conversion rebates in the region for multi-family, commercial, schools, and HOAs.
Program basics:
Rebate: $1.20 per sq ft of high-water turf converted to native or water-wise landscaping.
Eligibility: Multi-family and non-residential water customers in Broomfield’s service area.
Requirement: Converted areas must have at least 50% living plant coverage at maturity.
Process to capitalize:
Review Broomfield’s Large Property Turf Replacement Rebate Program page and download the checklist.
Submit a pre-application with existing-condition photos and a concept plan.
If the property has a PUD or site plan on file, the Planning Department may need to approve a minor modification.
Finalize the irrigation and landscape plan (showing plant coverage and irrigation upgrades).
Install the project; schedule a final inspection before season deadlines.
Submit final invoices and as-built documentation to receive the rebate.
Timeline to collect:
Expect 8–12 weeks after final approval for the rebate check to be issued.
Advice to property managers:
Explain that Broomfield will co-fund the conversion of large, non-functional turf areas.
For example, 10,000 sq ft of turf conversion can yield $12,000 in rebates, often covering 30–50% of project cost.
Recommend phased conversions starting with the least-used, highest-water areas (entry lawns, large back-of-property slopes, etc.).
City of Westminster – HOA Turf to Native Grass Transformation
Westminster’s marquee program for HOAs is the Turf to Native Grass Transformation Program under its Neighborhood Sustainability Program.
Key features:
Target audience: HOAs and large common areas.
Minimum project size: 3,000 sq ft of turf converted.
Incentive: Up to $10,000 in rebates per project (roughly works out to several dollars per sq ft on large projects).
Steps to capitalize:
HOA submits a letter of interest to Westminster’s sustainability team.
City staff meet with the HOA to review candidate areas and discuss scope.
HOA obtains bids from qualified landscape contractors (Energyscapes can fill this role).
City supports minor plan amendments administratively; fees are often waived.
Project is installed (usually native seed, soil prep, and irrigation changes).
The city conducts inspections and confirms establishment.
Rebate payment:
Rebate is typically paid out after final approval and successful establishment, often within 6–8 weeks of final sign-off.
Advice to property managers and HOA boards:
Use the $10,000 cap as a concrete carrot: “The city will fund a significant portion of this conversion.”
Emphasize long-term savings: native grass conversions often reduce irrigation demand by 50–80%.
Encourage boards to think in phases: first a large pilot area (3,000+ sq ft), then expand to other common lawns.
Denver Water Service Area – Landscape Transformation Assistance Program (LTAP)
For many Denver-metro communities served directly by Denver Water, the main commercial rebate is the Landscape Transformation Assistance Program (LTAP).
Who it’s for:
HOAs, commercial campuses, business parks, and multifamily properties that are Denver Water customers (or whose district buys water from Denver Water and participates).
Incentive structure:
Denver Water will fund up to 50% of project costs with a typical guideline of $0.50 per sq ft of turf removed and replaced with approved water-wise landscape.
Funding caps vary by project type (HOAs/commercial vs. small landscapes).
Key requirements:
Turf must be living, irrigated, non-functional turf (decorative grass that people only walk on to mow).
New landscape must provide 50%+ live plant coverage at maturity.
No artificial turf or plastic weed fabric; limited hardscape allowed.
Irrigation plan and maintenance plan are required.
Application and timeline:
Fill out the Initial Intake Form for LTAP.
Meet with Denver Water staff to review the concept and confirm eligibility.
Submit full application with design, square footages, plant list, irrigation plan, and budget.
Applications are typically due by November 1 for funding in the following calendar year.
If awarded, implement the project and complete by the deadline stated in your award (often October of that year).
Denver Water performs a final inspection and reviews documentation.
Reimbursement (their share) is issued after final approval; plan on several weeks for processing.
Advice to property managers:
Position LTAP as a capital partner: Denver Water comes in as a 50/50 co-investor for landscape modernization.
Target large “decorative” turf that provides little human use but high water consumption.
Plan at least one year ahead to hit the grant cycle.
Stack with:
Denver Water’s free irrigation audits
Rebates for smart controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, etc.
Energyscapes’ role:
We design to Denver Water’s standards from the start (plant coverage, zone layouts, etc.), handle the documentation, and shepherd the project from intake through reimbursement.
City of Aurora – Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) for Large Properties
Aurora’s GRIP program is one of the longest-running turf conversion incentives in Colorado.
For large properties (commercial, HOA, multifamily, campuses):
Aurora has a dedicated Commercial / HOA & Large Property rebate track.
Residential front-yard projects are reimbursed up to $4,000; large properties are reviewed case-by-case with custom allocations.
Typical structure for large properties:
Minimum: 500 sq ft of healthy bluegrass removed.
The city often targets $3 per sq ft as a planning guideline for turf-to-xeriscape conversions, but actual awards depend on budget and project scope.
How to capitalize:
Contact Aurora Water’s conservation team using the commercial & HOA rebates page.
Schedule a water audit / consultation (often jointly with Xcel Energy) to analyze site irrigation.
Work with a landscape contractor (Energyscapes) to produce a xeric design and cost estimate.
Submit GRIP large-property application and receive an allocation letter (reserved rebate amount).
Implement the project within the required time window.
Provide final documentation and any requested water-use data post-installation.
Payment timing:
For residential, rebates are split 65% at completion / 35% after one growing season to verify performance; large-property projects may follow a similar staged approach or one-time payment after verification.
Advice to property managers:
Stress Aurora’s willingness to co-finance major turf conversions on large campuses.
Highlight the dual benefit: lower water bills and lower risk as drought rules tighten.
Recommend pairing GRIP funding with a multi-year plan: year 1 pilot + water audit, year 2–3 major conversions.
Town of Castle Rock – ColoradoScape (Nonresidential)
Castle Rock Water’s ColoradoScape program offers one of the highest structured rebates for non-residential customers.
Program highlights:
Rebate: $3.25 per sq ft for turf replaced with approved low-water “ColoradoScape” plantings.
If turf is replaced with non-permeable hardscape (patios, decks, etc.), the rebate is $1.00 per sq ft for that area.
Minimum area for non-residential projects: typically 1,500 sq ft; maximum 15,000 sq ft per account (check current guidelines).
Installation must be done by a Town-registered landscape professional.
Process:
Submit a Nonresidential ColoradoScape Renovation application with a full landscape plan.
Schedule a pre-inspection to verify existing lawn is healthy, irrigated turf.
Complete the project and retrofit associated irrigation (this is required to qualify).
Schedule a post-inspection and submit invoices.
Complete W-9 and tax paperwork (rebates over $600 are treated as taxable income).
Timeline:
Allow 4–8 weeks after final approval for rebate processing.
Advice to property managers:
For HOAs and commercial assets in Castle Rock, this is a big financial lever:
A 10,000 sq ft conversion could generate $32,500 in rebates.
Emphasize the importance of design quality and irrigation design to pass review and prevent callbacks.
Plan projects to meet the seasonal window (Castle Rock sometimes closes applications once annual funding is used).
Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD) – Turf Removal Discount
PWSD doesn’t currently have a big per-sq-ft turf rebate, but it offers a valuable turf removal discount via Resource Central:
Key details:
Discount: Up to $750 toward turf removal services through Resource Central.
Structure: PWSD covers $1.75 per sq ft of removal cost up to the discount limit; customer pays the remaining portion.
Minimum area usually around 200 sq ft.
How it works:
Apply through the Resource Central Lawn Replacement page and select Parker Water & Sanitation as the water provider.
Resource Central schedules the removal; the discount is baked into the invoice.
No separate rebate check – you simply pay a much lower removal cost.
Best use for property managers:
Ideal for pilot conversions or high-visibility small areas (entry signs, specimen beds, etc.).
Use it to showcase xeriscape at HOAs or commercial properties and gather support for larger phases (which may be self-funded or supported by future district programs or state grants).
Pinery Water & Wastewater District – Turf Replacement Program
The Pinery (south-east of Parker) has one of the most aggressive turf replacement incentives in Colorado.
Program highlights:
Rebate: $5.00 per sq ft of high-water turf removed.
Residential cap: typically up to $2,000 per project; HOAs are also eligible with their own caps (see current guidelines).
Funds are limited and granted first-come, first-served each year.
Steps to capitalize:
Confirm the property is served by Pinery Water & Wastewater District.
Download the Turf Replacement Program Guidelines and Application from the district’s incentives page.
Apply and secure pre-approval (including an inspection of existing turf).
Install a qualifying low-water landscape with compliant irrigation.
Schedule a final inspection and submit invoices and proof of expenses.
Payment timing:
Expect a rebate check or bill credit after final approval and documentation; allow several weeks for processing.
Advice to property managers:
For HOAs within The Pinery, this is an extraordinary opportunity:
A 4,000 sq ft project at $5/sq ft could yield $20,000 in rebates (subject to caps).
Focus on non-functional, high-maintenance common turf first.
Due to high demand and limited funds, move quickly at the start of each program year.
City of Arvada
Arvada doesn’t have a large commercial turf rebate yet, but Arvada water customers can tap into Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement offerings:
What exists:
Discounts on Garden In A Box kits and Lawn Replacement depending on the year’s funding.
Historically, Arvada residents have been eligible for up to $750 in turf removal discounts through Resource Central (sometimes via state grants, sometimes via city co-funding).
How to use it:
Check Arvada’s Water Saving Programs page for current offers (Garden In A Box, Lawn Replacement, Slow the Flow audits).
Apply through Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement site and select “City of Arvada” as the provider.
Best positioning for property managers:
Use the available discounts for small showcase areas on commercial or multifamily sites.
Pair with Arvada’s other conservation programs (like sprinkler audits) to build a broader water-saving strategy even if a big commercial rebate doesn’t exist yet.
City of Lakewood & City of Wheat Ridge
Both Lakewood and Wheat Ridge support turf removal via the Resource Central Lawn Replacement Program:
Lakewood:
Offers up to $750 discount on lawn replacement for eligible residents through Resource Central.
Promoted under Lakewood’s Outdoor Water Conservation Programs.
Wheat Ridge:
Residents are eligible for up to $750 off qualifying lawn removal services while funds last.
The city has been actively promoting this on social media and sustainability channels.
For commercial / HOAs:
Programs are geared to residential accounts, but smaller HOA/common-area conversions may qualify if they fit the account type.
Larger commercial campuses in Lakewood may also be direct Denver Water customers and can use LTAP instead.
Advice to property managers:
Use Lakewood/Wheat Ridge discounts for starter projects on smaller sites or portions of larger sites.
For bigger conversions in Lakewood, leverage Denver Water LTAP if the property’s water is billed through Denver Water.
City of Englewood & City of Littleton
Englewood and Littleton both partner with Resource Central to jump-start turf removal projects.
Englewood:
Lawn Replacement Program allows residents to have turf removed “for as little as $1 per sq ft” thanks to a city-funded discount up to $750.
Littleton:
Listed as a partner on Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement and Garden In A Box programs; customers may receive similar discounts.
For commercial / HOA properties:
There’s no separate large commercial turf rebate published, but:
Small HOAs or smaller common areas with residential-type connections may use the program.
Larger Englewood/Littleton properties tied into Denver Water can access LTAP.
Advice to property managers:
Recommend using the Englewood/Littleton discount for one or two key demonstration beds.
Combine with Denver Water LTAP for bigger conversions where applicable (water provider is the key).
City of Thornton & City of Northglenn
Thornton and Northglenn both provide strong discounts (not traditional rebates) through Resource Central.
Thornton:
Offers a Lawn Replacement discount where the city pays $1.75 per sq ft up to $750, so customers pay only $1 per sq ft for the first ~450 sq ft.
Northglenn:
Provides up to $750 off the Lawn Removal option OR
Up to 4 free Garden In A Box kits (worth about $750) if you DIY and remove 400+ sq ft yourself.
Commercial / HOA application:
Officially targeted at residential customers; however, small HOAs may be able to participate.
Larger properties should explore:
Whether they qualify for Denver Water LTAP (if they’re Denver Water customers)
Future large-property turf programs if/when the cities expand offerings.
Advice to property managers:
Use Thornton and Northglenn discounts for quick wins: small strips or corner areas that are easy to replant and highly visible.
Then, while those are being established, talk to city staff about future expansion and additional grant opportunities for large sites.
Louisville, Lafayette, and Superior (Boulder County)
These northwest-metro communities are very active in turf replacement, particularly for residential and HOA contexts.
Louisville:
Offers up to $500 off Resource Central’s Lawn Replacement Program for Louisville water customers.
Lafayette:
Has a robust Water Efficiency program and promotes Resource Central’s Lawn Removal.
May also connect HOAs to grant opportunities for large turf replacement projects.
Superior:
Runs a residential lawn replacement program in partnership with Resource Central as part of its sustainable water programming.
Commercial / HOA strategy:
For small to mid-size HOA turf conversions, start by tapping Resource Central discounts plus any local grants or county programs (like Boulder County’s “Grey to Green” style initiatives when available).
For large, complex sites in these towns, it’s common to build custom funding stacks:
Resource Central discounts
Local sustainability grants
Potential county or regional grants
Advice to property managers:
Emphasize that these cities are very receptive to innovative water-wise projects.
For large HOAs, we can often build a co-funded package by combining city incentives, county grants, and in-kind contributions.
Summary: The Complete Guide to Xeriscape Rebates for Commercial Properties & HOAs in the Denver Metro
Xeriscaping is no longer just an environmental choice — it is now a financial opportunity for commercial property managers, HOAs, and multifamily owners across the Denver metro area. Nearly every major municipality or water district from Boulder to Castle Rock now offers rebates, discounts, or cost-share funding to remove high-water turf and replace it with Colorado-appropriate, low-water landscapes.
Across the region, rebates range from $500 discounts for small pilot projects all the way up to $20,000–$50,000+ reimbursements for large turf conversions in high-impact areas. Programs like Denver Water’s LTAP, Aurora’s GRIP, Castle Rock ColoradoScape, Broomfield’s Large Property Rebate, and the Pinery’s record-setting $5/sq ft incentive make xeriscape financially accessible at any scale — whether you manage a 20-unit property or a 400-home HOA.
The strongest programs share a few consistent themes:
1. Pre-approval is mandatory.
Cities want to ensure the turf is living and irrigated, and that the new landscape will deliver real water savings. Always apply before removing any grass.
2. Projects must include real plants.
Most programs require 50%+ plant coverage, native or water-wise species, and modernized irrigation (often drip).
3. The best value goes to large, non-functional turf.
Entry lawns, streetside medians, clubhouse lawns, and slope areas typically offer the highest return on investment.
4. Timelines are seasonal and funds are limited.
Many programs run on annual cycles, and funding is often first-come, first-served.
5. Rebates can stack with other incentives.
Water audits, equipment rebates, design assistance, and county/state grants can all compound the savings.
For property managers, the opportunity is clear:
You can transform outdated, high-maintenance turf into modern, drought-resilient, low-maintenance landscapes — with 30–80% water savings and rebates covering 25–50% of the project cost.
Energyscapes specializes in navigating this complex rebate landscape. We design to city standards, manage all paperwork, handle installations, and ensure you receive every dollar available. Whether you’re doing a 300 sq ft pilot or a 30,000 sq ft master conversion, we help you execute it faster, cheaper, and with zero friction.
How Energyscapes Helps You Win the Rebate Game
Across all of these municipalities and districts, one theme is consistent: pre-approval, documentation, and design quality are everything.
For property managers, this is where we come in:
What we do:
Site analysis: Identify non-functional turf and estimate water savings.
Rebate mapping: Match your property to the right rebate(s) based on water provider and municipality.
Design & compliance: Create xeriscape/ColoradoScape plans that meet each program’s plant coverage, irrigation, and material rules.
Application management: Handle intake forms, plans, photos, measurements, and correspondence with city/water staff.
Build & document: Install the project, retrofit irrigation, collect invoices, and prepare final documentation.
Reimbursement support: Assist with inspections, punch lists, and any follow-up required to release funds.
How to talk about this with your board/ownership:
“We can convert unused lawn into a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape, often with 30–50% of the project cost paid by rebates or discounts, and we’ll handle the paperwork with the city.”
“Water bills go down, risk from drought rules goes down, and the property value and curb appeal go up.”
In short, rebates are the fuel, xeriscape design is the engine, and Energyscapes is the driver that gets you from thirsty turf to a high-performing, future-ready landscape.
Sources & Useful Links
Resource Central – Lawn Replacement & Garden In A Box
Lawn Replacement program overview and application:
Lawn Replacement FAQs:
Garden In A Box kits:
City of Boulder
Water Conservation & Lawn Replacement info:
City & County of Broomfield
Large Property Turf Replacement Rebate Program:
https://www.broomfield.org/4002/Large-Property-Turf-Replacement-Rebate-P
Broomfield Lawn Replacement (residential discounts):
City of Westminster
Neighborhood Sustainability Program (HOA Turf to Native Grass Transformation):
https://www.westminsterco.gov/365/Neighborhood-Sustainability-Program
Denver Water
Landscape Transformation Assistance Program (LTAP) – main page:
LTAP intake form:
Aurora Water
Water-Wise Landscaping & GRIP overview:
Commercial, HOA & Large Property Rebates and Resources:
https://www.auroragov.org/residents/water/water_conservation/h_o_a__large_property_resources
Castle Rock Water (Town of Castle Rock)
Conservation Rebates (ColoradoScape – residential & nonresidential):
Nonresidential ColoradoScape Renovation application/form:
https://crconserve.com/FormCenter/Rebate-Applications-6/NONRESIDENTIAL-COLORADOSCAPE-RENOVATION-53
Parker Water & Sanitation District (PWSD)
Rebates & Turf Removal Discounts:
Pinery Water & Wastewater District
Incentives and Turf Replacement Program:
2025 Turf Replacement Guidelines PDF (if needed):
City of Arvada
Water Saving Programs (Garden In A Box, Lawn Replacement, etc.):
City of Lakewood
Outdoor Water Conservation Programs (including Lawn Replacement discounts):
City of Wheat Ridge
Example city promotion of Lawn Replacement (shows up to $750 discount):
City of Englewood
News release on Lawn Replacement partnership with Resource Central:
https://www.englewoodco.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5973/21
City of Northglenn
Water Conservation Programs & Lawn Replacement details:
https://www.northglenn.org/residents/water/water_rebates.php
City of Louisville
News: Lawn Replacement Program partnership with Resource Central (up to $500 off):
https://www.louisvilleco.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6386/
City of Lafayette
Water Efficiency Programs & Lawn Removal references:
Town of Superior
Sustainable Water & Lawn Replacement info:
https://www.superiorcolorado.gov/Government/Departments/Sustainability/Sustainable-Water