Boulder Water Utility offers per-square-foot rebates to residents and businesses who replace high-water turf grass with low-water native landscaping (xeriscape), supporting long-term water conservation in Colorado's semi-arid Front Range climate.
Boulder's turf removal rebate program pays property owners a per-square-foot incentive (typically $1-2 depending on year and budget) to convert irrigated cool-season turf to qualifying low-water landscaping. Replacement plantings must include a minimum percentage of Colorado-native or drought-adapted species, drip irrigation rather than spray, and mulch coverage. Pre-conversion site assessment and post-conversion verification are required. The program complements Boulder's Climate Action Plan and reflects the Colorado River Basin's structural water scarcity. Homeowners associations cannot prohibit xeriscape under Colorado state law (CRS §37-60-126), giving Boulder residents legal protection to convert front yards.
Voluntary incentive program; no penalties. Failure to maintain converted landscape per program terms can result in rebate clawback within a stated maintenance period.
Boulder, CO
Boulder may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Boulder, CO
Boulder enforces a year-round outdoor watering schedule limiting lawn irrigation to assigned days based on address, with daytime watering bans during hot hou...
See how Boulder's turf replacement rebates rules stack up against other locations.
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