XIP promotes projects that convert high-water use landscapes to regionally adapted water-wise landscapes. During this pilot program, HOA and commercial properties can receive $1.50/square foot of area converted up to $15,000 per project if they meet certain qualifications and submit an application detailing a project that demonstrates long-term water reduction through landscape transformation. Funds are limited. This is a competitive grant. Applications will be reviewed by a cross-disciplinary review team.
UPDATE: The pre-application deadline has been extended until Friday, March 12 (previously March 5). The full application deadline is April 9.
- Applicants must be a non-residential Fort Collins Utilities water customer (e.g., HOA and multifamily sprinkler taps and commercial properties).
- Applicants must provide a financial match at least equivalent to the XIP grant amount received. In-kind services will not be counted toward the match; however, an applicant can use other grant funding sources.
- All projects must involve conversion of high-water use area(s) to water-wise landscapes. Projects that only address irrigation will not be considered.
- For 2021 participants only: If selected for XIP funding, project must be substantially completed with final inspection and establishment plan completed by Oct. 15, 2021. Final progress report and a long-term maintenance plan must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2021.
Application Details
- A pre-application must be approved and submitted prior to completing a full application. The pre-application ensures eligibility before a full application is completed. The pre-application review takes one week. UPDATE: The pre-application deadline has been extended until Friday, March 12 (previously March 5). The full application deadline is April 9.
- Factor into your planning that a full application does require an existing landscape plan, proposed landscape plan, irrigation plan among other minor items such as photos.
- Applications will be evaluated based on an evaluation rubric.
Funding details for eligible 2021 participants
- Applicants can receive $1.50/square foot of area converted up to $15,000 per project.
- Applicants must provide a financial match at least equivalent to the XIP grant amount received. In-kind services will not be counted toward the match; however, an applicant can use other grant funding sources
- Awards will be announced in May 2021 via email.
- If awarded, funding will be made available to recipients after submission of invoices detailing expenses. Water Conservation will hold 25% of funding until the awardee submits final project completion report.
Award details for eligible 2021 participants
- Awards will be announced in May 2021. Applicants will be notified via email.
- If awarded, funding will be made available to recipients after submission of invoices detailing expenses. Water Conservation will hold 25% of funding until the awardee submits final project completion report.
- Awardees will be required to submit reports, pictures detailing project progress, an establishment plan and a long-term management plan.
Application Information
- Application Questions Preview
- Application FAQs (coming soon!)
- Evaluation Rubric (coming soon!)
- Guide to City of Fort Collins Landscape Establishment and Long-Term Management Plans
- Commercial Landscape Q&A Webinar June 23, 2020 Recording
Manage Your Water Use
- Allotment Management Program (AMP): AMP provides eligible Utilities water customers with a temporary waiver from their Excess Water Use surcharges if they meet certain qualifications and submit an application detailing a project that demonstrates long-term water reduction.
- Landscape Water Budget Program: Water Conservation staff will work with you to determine how much water your existing landscape needs in comparison to your allotment and historic water use.
- MyWater: Track your water use and receive high use/leak email alerts with Utilities free online monitoring tool, formerly known as WaterSmart.
- Certified Landscape Professionals can help you save water and money.
Before You Start
- Minor Amendment: If your property falls within City limits, any change that results in modification to an approved landscape plan will require a minor amendment prior to any work being completed. To search for your existing approved landscape plan visit citydocs.fcgov.com. Click here to download the minor application. Specific questions can be directed to Zoning@fcgov.com">Zoning@fcgov.com.
- Locate your underground utilities: Any time earth is moved or removed using equipment, tools or explosives, the Utility Notification Center of Colorado must be notified. Please dial 811 so that underground utilities can be located.
- Soil Amendments: City of Fort Collins' Ordinance 084, 2003 requires the addition of a soil amendment in areas that are cleared and planned to hold plants and grass. Click here to download a certificate.
Professional Resources
Irrigation
Plants
- Plant List
- Fort Collins Native Plants
- Native Seeds Work – Guidelines for establishing native seeds
- Native Grasses for HOAs
- Colorado Springs Guide to Native Grass Conversion
- Sustainable Landscape Conversion Design and Irrigation (Denver Water)
- CSU Extension
- CSU Master Gardener
- CSU Lawncheck – Onsite assessments of laws including recommendations. Book your appointment here.
- Converting Kentucky Bluegrass to Native Grasses: Where, Why and How
- Example Landscape Plans
Trees and Forestry
Specific questions can be directed to forestry@fcgov.com.
- Fort Collins Tree Standards
- Front Range Tree List
- Selecting Trees for Fort Collins
- Tree Maintenance Guidelines
- Large Maturing Trees for Ash Replacement
- Digging Around Trees
- Master Gardeners offer free tree related on-site calls. Visit CSU Master Gardener or contact at larimermg@gmail.com; 970-498-6000.
Zoning and Minor Amendments
- Minor Amendment: If your property falls within City limits, any change that results in modification to an approved landscape plan may require a minor amendment. Minor Amendment's must be submitted and approved prior to any work being done on this project. To search for your existing approved landscape plan visit citydocs.fcgov.com. Click here to download the minor application. Specific questions can be directed to Zoning@fcgov.com">Zoning@fcgov.comor 970-416-2745.
- Minor Amendment review takes four to six weeks.
- Fort Collins Streetscape Standards
Soil, Erosion and Dust
- CSU Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory analyzes soil and other materials and provides amendment suggestions for improving growth. A complete list of there services is here.
- Soil Amendments: City of Fort Collins' Ordinance 084, 2003 requires the addition of a soil amendment in areas that are cleared and planned to hold plants and grass. Click here to download a certificate.
- Soil Erosion Control – Practices for avoiding/minimizing soil erosion during construction
- Dust Control – Fort Collins Dust Control Presentation and Manual
Disposing of Organic Waste Material
1. What is the maximum amount of money I could be awarded?
A project can receive $1.50/square foot up to $15,000.
2. What percent match is required?
Applicants must provide a financial match at least equivalent to the XIP grant amount received. In-kind services will not be counted toward the match; however, an applicant can use other grant funding sources.
3. Can in-kind services count towards the match requirement?
No. In-kind services do not count toward the match requirement.
4. How do I apply?
Click here to go to the application.
5. I applied in 2020, can I apply again?
Past applicants may apply again but they must fill out a new application for 2021.
6. When would I be notified if I have been awarded money?
Applicants will be notified in May 2021.
7. If awarded, can I use my money on anything?
Money can be used on design, labor, material or installation costs related to the project. Money cannot be used on anything outside the scope of the project as descripted in the project application.
8. If awarded, will I receive the award money immediately?
No. Money will only be awarded after invoices detailing expenses are submitted and approved. Additionally, 25% of the funds will be held until after the final report has been submitted.
9. How will I submit invoices to receiving my award money?
If awarded, invoices will be submitted through ZoomGrants. Water Conservation will hold 25% of funding until the awardee submits final project completion report.
10. How will applications be reviewed?
Applications will be reviewed by a cross-disciplinary review team based on an evaluation rubric.
11. I submitted my application, but now I want to make a change. What do I do?
Even after you’ve submitted the application, you’ll be able to make changes until the application deadline. You may also contact XIP staff directly at xipXL@fcgov.com if you have questions.
12. What will happen after receiving a grant?
If awarded, you will have to:
- Sign contract
- If your property falls within City limits, apply for a minor amendment. Specific questions about minor amendments can be directed ton Zoning@fcgov.com">Zoning@fcgov.com or 970-416-2745.
- Complete W-9 form
- Complete project
- Submit invoices
- Submit quarterly progress reports
- Submit establishment and long-term management plan
13. Can I submit a late application?
No. Late applications will not be reviewed.
14. Do I have to use a contractor listed on your website?
No, you are not required to use a contractor listed on our website.
Are you a residential customer? Visit fcgov.com/xip to learn more about our residential program.
Questions?#
Contact Xeriscape Incentive Program (XIP) for HOA and commercial properties at xipXL@fcgov.com