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. It should take no more than 20 minutes to compelete.
• Although applicants will be able to view the full application, they will not be able to start the full application questions or upload to the Documents tab until their pre-application has been submitted and approved.
• Following pre-application approval, staff will schedule a site visit with the applicant.
• Factor into your planning that a full application does require an existing landscape plan, proposed landscape plan and irrigation plan, among other minor items such as photos.
• Applications will be evaluated based on an evaluation rubric.

Award details

• Applicants can receive up to $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.
• Awardees will be required to submit reports, pictures detailing project progress, an establishment plan and a long-term management plan.

Annual program deadlines:

• Pre-applications due Nov. 1
• Full applications due Dec. 1
• Award announcements made in February.
• Approved projects must be completed by Oct. 31 of following year

Application Information

• Application Questions Preview
• 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 Amendement application. Specific questions can be directed to zoning@fcgov.com.
• Parkway Amendment: 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.
• 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 submit a ticket to co811.org 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

• XIP Professional Services
• Certified Landscape Professionals

Irrigation

• Rainbird Irrigation Design Guides
• Example Irrigation Plans

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 lawns 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 or 970-416-2745.
  • Minor Amendment review takes four to six weeks.
• Fort Collins Streetscape Standards
• The City’s Stormwater Criteria Manual outlines requirements for stormwater control. Certain requirements may apply to your project if you are adding more than 1,000 square feet of impervious surface. Impervious areas are hard surface areas (concrete or asphalt surface or rooftop surface) that prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil.  

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

• How to compost yard trimmings
• How to compost sod

1. What is the maximum amount of money I could be awarded?

A project can receive up to $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. 

3. How do I apply?

Start the process by submitting a Commercial Water-Wise Landscape Program pre-application here.

4. I've applied before, can I apply again?

Past applicants may apply again but they must fill out a new application.

5. 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 described in the project application.

6. If awarded, will I receive the award money immediately?

No. Money will only be awarded after invoices detailing expenses are submitted and approved. 

7. 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.

8. What will happen after our project has been awarded?

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 or 970-416-2745.
• Complete W-9 form
• Complete project
• Submit invoices
• Submit quarterly progress reports
• Submit establishment and long-term management plan
• We will hold 25% of funds until all reports and supporting documentation has been received.

9. Can I submit a late application?

No. Late applications will not be reviewed.

10. Do I have to use a contractor listed on your website?

No, you are not required to use a contractor listed on our website.