Xeriscape Rebate Program Manual
Program Purpose & Goals
• Introducing the community to xeriscape
• Create attractive, lower-maintenance yards that will
save water and withstand drought
• Incentivize the conversion of turf to xeriscape
• Help customers achieve their conservation goals
Program Options
• Commercial
– Z-zone program max: $15,000
– Regular program max: $10,000
• Residential
– Z-zone program max: $4,500
– Regular program max: $3,000
Program Specifics
• The rebate will cover ALL material costs up to the
maximum limit depending on which program you
chose to participate in.
• Z-zone
– Use only z-zone plants – plants that require no
supplemental water after establishment (see list)
– A water budget will be provided as a guide
Program Specifics
• Z-zone (cont.)
– Payment schedule
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50% of material costs paid upon completion of the project
Year 1 - 10% at the end of the following year*
Year 2 - 10% at the end of the following year*
Year 3 - 10% at the end of the following year*
Year 4 - 20% after the first year of no watering in the project area*
– If a decrease in consumption is not achieved for a particular
year, the rebate for that year will be forfeited
– This does not affect the rebate for subsequent years
* Upon proof of decrease in consumption
Program Specifics
• Regular rebate
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Any xeriscape plant material may be used
Maximum 20% moderate water-use plant material
A water budget will be provided as a guide
Payment schedule
• 65% of material costs paid upon completion of the project
• 35% paid at the end of the following year upon demonstrating a
reduction in water use
Program Specifics
• How are the rebates calculated?
– Rebates will be calculated based on submission of receipts
for material costs related to the project
– Only material costs will be considered
– Receipts need to be itemized
Overview of Steps
1. Apply online
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Eligibility determined by Aurora Water staff
2. Submit paperwork
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Wait for project approval
Obtain necessary approvals and permits
Begin installation
First inspection
Finish installation
Final inspection
Getting Started
• Apply online
– Go to www.aurorawater.org
 Conservation  Rebates  Xeriscape Rebate Program
• You’ll receive an email confirming successful submission and a link
to your application.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Aurora Water – Xeriscape Rebate Application Submitted
• Do not delete this email • Do not reply to this email •
Wait for notification of property eligibility before
submitting any paperwork or starting the project.
Eligibility
• Areas
– Lawn in residential front and side yards and streetscape
– Lawn in areas of commercial or large properties that are
visible to the public*
• Lawn needs to be healthy with few to no weeds
• Water bill needs to show sufficient usage during
summer months – this typically guarantees healthy
plant material
* Potential areas will be addressed on a case-by-case basis
How Eligibility is Determined
• Sufficient outdoor usage is determined by comparing
actual use to expected use
• First, indoor usage needs to be determined
– This is accomplished using Winter Quarter Average
(WQA). WQA is determined by averaging water usage
during the months of December, January and February
when there should be zero outdoor usage
• WQA is subtracted from each month’s usage to
determine actual outdoor use
How Eligibility is Determined (cont.)
• Expected outdoor usage = sum of the gallons of water
needed to maintain each plant type on the property
– Grass = 17.4 gallons per square foot
– Shrubs and perennials = 5.8 gallons per square foot
– Xeriscape = 1.8 gallons per square foot
• Plant material for each property is evaluated and
measured
• The area for each plant type is totaled and multiplied
by its respective gallons per square foot
How Eligibility is Determined (cont.)
• Gallons for all areas are added together and compared
to actual usage
• The property is eligible if actual usage is 80% or
more of expected usage for a majority of the years
queried
Getting Started
• If property is eligible
– Submit documentation using the link provided to you in the
confirmation email you received upon filling out the
application
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Valid form of I.D.
I.R.S. form W-9
Landscape design and plant list
Email current photos to Zach, [email protected]
– The link will open an internet browser window that looks
like this, however the fields will be populated with your
information
Getting Started
• The link will open an internet browser window that
looks like this, however the fields will be populated
with your information
Getting Started
• Select files using the ‘Browse…” button
• Click “Add Another File” for each file to be added
• Click “Upload These Files!” and wait a few moments for the
files to upload
Getting Started
• If necessary, documentation may be brought into the
Water Conservation Office
• Project will not be approved unless I.D
and W-9 have been received
Getting Started
• Landscape Design Options
– Residential
• Provide your own design
• Hire Contractor/Landscape Designer
• Free Aurora Water design
– Commercial and Large Properties
• Hire Contractor/Landscape Designer
• Design to be stamped by a Colorado
Licensed Landscape Architect
• Free Aurora Water design (limited availability)
Getting Started
• Landscape Design
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Work of art not necessary
Drawn to-scale
Draw plants to near mature size
Label the following:
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Plants
Mulch types
Hardscape and landscape features
Remaining turf and bed areas
Getting Started
• Landscape Design (cont.)
– Legend must contain
• Name, address
• North arrow, scales
• Contractor information
Acceptable Plan
Design Examples
Scale
Plant Symbols
Design Examples
Acceptable Plan
Getting Started
• Plant List
– 2016 plant list calculator
• Use during the design process
• Submit as the official plant list
– A separate plant list calculator is to be used for front/side
yard or tree lawns
– This list is not compatible with iOS software or MS Excel
alternatives
– Contact Zach if challenges are encountered
• 720-859-4366, [email protected]
• Plant list example
Getting Started
• Photos
– Email to Zach
• [email protected]
– A few of property
– Several of proposed project area
– Size/Resolution
• Nothing less than 150KB
Getting Started
Special Instructions for Commercial and Large
Properties
– Project may need to go through the City’s Design Review
process
– Consult with the Planning Department regarding the scope
of the project
Getting Started
• You will receive an email when changes are made to
your application
Landscape Requirements
Hardscape features
• Provide season-long visual interest
• Required for areas visible to the public
– Residential front and side yards
– Commercial and large property projects adjacent to public
roads
Plan Implementation
Hardscape options:
– Berm
– Boulders
– Wall
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples - Boulder
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples - Boulder
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples - Boulder
Plan Implementation
Hardscape installation - Boulder
‘Plopped’ on top
Looks out of place
Slightly buried
Looks natural
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples – Small Rock Wall
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples – Small Rock Wall
Plan Implementation
Hardscape examples – Retaining Wall
Plan Implementation
Irrigation
• Several options
– Hand water
– Existing spray system
– Drip (new or retrofit existing system)
• Order of potential efficiency
1. Drip
2. Hand water
3. Existing spray system
Plan Implementation
Irrigation (cont.)
Irrigation method
Efficiency
Cost
Ease of install
Very low
N/A
Low
Low moderate
N/A
Drip – retrofit
Very high
Moderate
Moderately
difficult
Drip – new system
Very high
Moderately expensive
Difficult
Hand watered Moderate - high
Existing spray system
Plan Implementation
Irrigation (cont.)
• An irrigation permit must be obtained for major
changes to existing layout
• Water supply must be protected by a backflow
prevention device.
– Permit must be obtained through the
Permit Center (303-739-7420) for installation
and inspection if one is not present
Plan Implementation
Irrigation (cont.)
• Automatic irrigation systems require
installation of a rain gauge
• Secure drip lines to soil
• Cover drip lines with mulch
• Consider use of low-flow valves
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure
Step #1
• Properly place plant material.
Step #2
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant container and about the
depth of the root ball, setting soil aside.
• The hole should be bowl shaped.
• Do not use excavated soil to build berms elsewhere
in the yard.
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
It is important to follow
the landscape plan,
however in most cases it
is not necessary to
concern yourself with
being exact to the inch.
Placement
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
For all plant types
except trees, dig to the
depth of the root ball.
The hole for trees
should be dug a few
inches shy of the height
of the root ball.
Dig
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Step #3
• Mix the recommended quantity of approved compost into the
excavated soil. Composts approved for use are Class I and II.
Anything else must receive prior approval.
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Add approved compost to soil
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Step #4
• Remove plant from container.
– Perennials and ornamental grasses – If the plant is root
bound, make 3-4 vertical cuts in the root ball. Cut off any
thick mass of roots at the bottom of the root ball. Cuts
should be made with a clean and sharp knife. This does not
apply to trees.
– Shrubs – If the plant is root bound, cuts may be made in the
root ball but only to the fibrous roots. Do not cut the larger
roots, ¼” or greater.
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Score root ball
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Step #5
• Place plant in center of hole making sure that it is not too
deeply planted. Backfill in layers using the soil-compost mix,
firming soil around root mass with fingers after each layer.
There should only be a small quantity of left over soil.
Consider building a small ring around the planting area with
any remaining soil.
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Plant
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Step #6
• Water deeply and thoroughly, making sure to saturate soil
surrounding plant.
• For complete details on proper planting technique, take the
Water Conservation class, “Xeriscape Start to Finish”
Plan Implementation
Planting Procedure (cont.)
Water
Plan Implementation
Edging
• Will effectively keep grass out of beds
– Should be at least 4” in height
– Leave no more than ½” out of the soil
• May be used to separate mulch types
• Should not be placed on top of the soil
• Should not be easily visible
First Inspection
• The first inspection provides an opportunity for
questions to be asked and resolution to take place
prior to finishing the project.
• Call or email Zach to schedule a first inspection
– 720-859-4366
– [email protected]
First Inspection
The following will be reviewed:
• Plant type and size according to plant list
• Plant holes dug double wide
• Use of class I or class II compost or other approved
amendment. No manure.
• Irrigation system installed according to permit
• Installation of backflow and rain sensor
• Site free of weeds and hazards
First Inspection
Receipts:
– Need to show the cost of materials separate from labor,
delivery, fuel surcharges and tax
• Hardscape feature and amendment
– Submit at or prior to first inspection
Plan Implementation
Mulching
• Apply mulch once the first inspection has been
completed and you have been given the go ahead to
continue
• Mulch must be at least 3” deep
• Choices of mulch are organic (bark, wood) and
inorganic (cobble, rock)
• At least two mulch types are required to add to the
visual interest
Plan Implementation
Mulching (cont.)
• In front and side yards: there is no limit to the use of
organic mulches, however rock mulch may only
cover 50% of the area; the remaining 50% would
need to be covered by an organic mulch
• Pea gravel may be used, but not next to pedestrian
access points (sidewalks, streets, etc.)
Plan Implementation
Mulching (cont.)
• Be creative with colors and textures, but sensitive to
neighborhood aesthetics
• Red mulch, lava rock and recycled mulch products
such as ground rubber or crushed concrete may not be
used
• Edging of any sort may not be used to keep mulch off
concrete, instead excavate soil as shown on the
following slide to provide a place for the mulch to
rest
Plan Implementation
• Mulching (cont.)
• Edging of any sort may not be used to keep mulch off
concrete, instead excavate soil as shown on the following
slide to provide a place for the mulch to rest.
• Beds must be separated from turf areas using edging.
Edging must be at least 3 inches in the ground.
• Fabric is optional, though we do not recommend its use
around plant material because of the unnatural barrier that
is created between the mulch and the soil.
Plan Implementation
Mulching – A few options
Golden Small Chip
Shredded Bark
Dark Medium Chip
3” River Rock
Plan Implementation
Mulch preparation
In many cases, if mulch is placed directly on top of the exist grade,
it will continually be falling onto the sidewalk.
Plan Implementation
Mulching preparation (cont.)
To help remedy this issue remove a section of soil next to any
concrete surface area. We recommend 3-4” below the
level of the concrete
and back 18-24”.
Do not dig to or below
the bottom of the
concrete.
Plan Implementation
Mulching preparation (cont.)
This is not adequate. Not only is there increased likelihood that
mulch will still fall onto the sidewalk, but the degree of slope is
visually noticeable.
Plan Implementation
Mulching preparation
This shows how the site will look when mulch is put down. The first
inspection needs to take place prior to the installation of mulch.
Plan Implementation
Mulching technique (cont.)
Plan Implementation
Mulching technique (cont.)
Final Inspection
• Submit remaining receipts prior to final inspection
• Call Zach when the project is complete
• Zach looks for the following:
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3 inches of mulch
Fabric (if used) securely pinned, tucked and covered with mulch
Irrigation lines pinned and covered with mulch
Minimal edging showing
Site free of weeds
A ‘completed project’
Appointment not needed for final inspection
Challenges
Most common challenges encountered by participants:
#4 - Digging is hard work!
#3 - Don’t know who to contact.
– You have one contact: Zach Versluis
– Please do not call other conservation staff with questions
regarding your project
– Messages returned within 24 hours.
– Schedule: Tues – Fri, 8am - 630pm
Challenges
#2 - Can’t find a plant.
– Don’t worry, substitutions are allowed! Find one that has a
similar mature size and water use characteristics. Inform
Zach of change. Substitution of a plant with different
characteristics will require approval. Thorny plants are not
allowed next to sidewalks.
#1 - Procrastination!
– Plan ahead by anticipating potential delays
– Pre-order plant material
– Don’t wait until the last few weeks to start your
project
Other Programs
Irrigation Rebate
– This rebate is in addition to the xeriscape rebate and will
be automatically processed for qualifying xeriscape rebate
projects. Receipts for all applicable irrigation materials
must be submitted upon completion of the xeriscape
project.
– Per zone rebate values are for material costs.
Other Programs
Irrigation Rebate (cont.)
Unit Rebate
Value
Item
Rain Sensors,
wired
wireless
Notes
$15
$50
Must not currently
have a rain sensor
Soil Moisture Sensors (ea)
$100
Limit of 2 per residence
Controllers, non-weather based
weather based
$50
$300
----50% of material cost up to $300
Low-flow Nozzles (ea)
$6
Must change body at same time.
Limit of 50 nozzles.
Pop-up Sprinkler Body (ea)
$9 Must have pressure regulating stems,
check valves and a minimum 4” popup height. Limit of 50 bodies.
Other Programs
• Toilet Rebate
– $50.00 for 1.6 gallon per flush replaced by ultra high
efficiency toilet
– $150.00 for 3.5 gallon per flush replaced by ultra high
efficiency toilet
• Indoor Water Audits
Contacts
• General Information:
– www.aurorawater.org
– Zach Versluis
• 720-859-4366 (office)
• [email protected]