Utilities

Commercial customers can receive up to $1.50 per square foot of area converted up to $15,000 per project.  

Eligible participants include:  
HOAs, multi-family complexes, businesses, faith-based organizations, schools, parks, government entities and other commercial customers. 

Step 1: Complete Commercial Application:

• Fort Collins Utilities account number– only Fort Collins Utilities Water customers may apply Confirm your water district 
  
  
• Review Commercial Terms and Conditions 
  
  
• Landscape Plan, Plant List and Irrigation Plan 
  
  
• Establishment and Long-term Management Plans (if switching to native/other low-water turf) 
  
  
• Draft of Minor Amendment Application  
  • If your property falls within City limits, any change that results in modification to the site plan on file with the city will require a minor amendment prior to any work being completed.
    
    • Please contact xeriscape@fcgov.com if you need help finding a site plan. Click here to download the Minor Amendment application. Specific questions about Minor Amendment may be sent to zoning@fcgov.com.
      
      
• Parkway Amendment Application.
  • If you are only making changes to the parkway landscape, your project will require a Parkway Amendment Application. Click here to view the free Parkway Amendment Application. 
    
    
• Two before photos 
  • Must show green grass (or new construction) in last 12 months 
  • Include a wide view of the property and (grass) area(s) proposed for renovation 

Complete the Commercial XIP Application

Step 2: Schedule Customer Meeting

Once you submit your application, you will receive a link to schedule a Customer Meeting. Customer Meetings are required before beginning turf removal project. These meetings are a time for staff to review design packages, go over program requirements and answer questions about your project.

Step 3: Install Landscape 

Following application approval, you will have two years complete your project. 

Step 4: Project Inspection and Submit Final Paperwork

Once approved project is complete, schedule inspection here. Following a passing inspection of the completed landscape, participants must submit expense documentation in Zoom. Grants to receive payment.

Step 5: Receive rebate through direct deposit or check in 6-8 weeks after submitting expense documentation.

Click here for xeriscape resources.

If you are making changes to the parkway landscape, your project will require a Parkway Amendment Application. Click here to view the free Parkway Amendment Application. 

• Review the Parkway landscape brochure
    

Items to keep in mind: 

• There must be 50% live plant ground coverage at plant maturity (tree canopies do not count toward the calculation) 
  
  
• Ground cover, if rock mulch, should be of appropriate size to be an adequate planting bed and should not be large rocks that would possibly pose a tripping hazard for pedestrians crossing the parkway (approximately no larger than 2”) 
  
  
• Boulders if used should not be taller than 1 foot in height 
  
  
• Install landscaping and xeriscaping features such that no excess mulch, stone, etc. will spill onto the sidewalk or into the road. 
  
  
• Ensure that none of the proposed plants are taller than 3 feet in mature height, as tall plants in the parkway can block or obscure vehicle sight distances, especially near intersections. 
  
  
• When installing plant materials in close proximity (within the dripline) to existing trees, hand dig planting holes in order to avoid root damage. To protect the existing trees on-site, place all boulders at least 5 feet away from the tree trunks.  
   
• Install organic mulch ring around all trees 3’ to 4’ wide and 4” deep. 
  
  
• Any changes to the irrigation need to be adequate for the new plantings, and if proposing to change the irrigation for any existing street tree, first confirm with Forestry that the changes are adequate to meet the water needs of the tree. Parkway and Minor Amendments may require a tree inventory. Contact forestry@fcgov.com for more information.  
  
  
• Review Tree Protection Notes