Can I get a rebate for removing grass in Aurora?

Aurora Water's Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) pays for converting irrigated bluegrass to a water-wise landscape. Aurora Water must approve the project before installation, and rebates aren't retroactive. Check the program page for current rates and application windows.

Can I put in a new bluegrass lawn in Aurora?

On an existing home, Aurora Water's current drought rules and schedule apply. In new development and redevelopment, the city's 2022 ordinance limits cool-season turf — most front yards, and backyard turf capped at the lesser of 45% or 500 square feet. Check the code and Aurora Water before planning new turf.

Does Aurora follow Denver Water's lawn watering ban?

No. Aurora Water is a separate utility with its own drought stages and watering rules. Check Aurora Water's current restrictions.

Arapahoe, Adams & Douglas counties

Xeriscape & Landscaping in Aurora, CO

Aurora Water has its own rules, its own rebate program, and Colorado's first limits on cool-season turf in new development.

Water provider: Aurora Water

(303) 800-2584Denver-based · working across the metro

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Aurora has pushed harder on water-wise landscaping than almost anywhere else in the metro. It was the first Colorado city to restrict cool-season turf in new development, and Aurora Water runs its own grass replacement incentive program.

Out on the eastern side of the metro, yards get full sun and steady wind off the plains. That's hard on bluegrass and easy on the right native plants.

Water in Aurora

Aurora Water

Aurora Water sets its own drought stages and watering schedule, separate from Denver Water. Check its current restrictions before you plan.

Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP). Aurora Water pays a rebate for converting irrigated bluegrass to a water-wise landscape. The rules that matter most: Aurora Water must approve the project before installation, and rebates are not retroactive — remove the grass first and you've likely forfeited it. The 2026 spring application window ran March 1 through August 15. The conversion area has to be existing, irrigated, maintained grass; bare dirt and weeds don't qualify. Aurora Water also offers its customers a free water-wise landscape design. Check the program page for current rates and deadlines.

Rules and programs checked September 2026. They change — confirm with your provider before you plan.

Aurora's limits on turf in new development

Aurora's 2022 ordinance restricts cool-season turf like bluegrass and fescue in new development, redevelopment, and new golf courses. For new homes, most front-yard turf is out, and backyard turf is capped at 45% of the area or 500 square feet, whichever is smaller. Nonfunctional turf for looks alone isn't allowed; turf in active recreation areas is.

If you're in a newer Aurora home, your builder already designed around those limits. If you're planning a redevelopment or a major rebuild, your plan needs to as well. Read the code section itself for the exact terms.

Using GRIP without losing it

The order of operations matters: apply, get approved, then remove the grass and build. We design to the program's requirements and can give you a plan and plant list to support your application — you apply to Aurora Water directly. Don't let anyone, including us, pull sod before you have approval in hand.

Around Aurora

We work throughout Aurora, including Southeast Aurora, Saddle Rock, Tallyn's Reach, and Original Aurora.

What Aurora yards usually need

Xeriscape Installation

GRIP-compatible conversions of irrigated bluegrass.

Custom Design

A scaled plan and plant list to support a program application.

Drip Irrigation

Drip zones that match Aurora's water-wise landscape requirements.

Commercial & HOA

HOA common areas facing SB24-005 and Aurora's turf rules.

Also in Aurora

Aurora questions

Can I get a rebate for removing grass in Aurora?: Aurora Water's Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) pays for converting irrigated bluegrass to a water-wise landscape. Aurora Water must approve the project before installation, and rebates aren't retroactive. Check the program page for current rates and application windows.
Can I put in a new bluegrass lawn in Aurora?: On an existing home, Aurora Water's current drought rules and schedule apply. In new development and redevelopment, the city's 2022 ordinance limits cool-season turf — most front yards, and backyard turf capped at the lesser of 45% or 500 square feet. Check the code and Aurora Water before planning new turf.
Does Aurora follow Denver Water's lawn watering ban?: No. Aurora Water is a separate utility with its own drought stages and watering rules. Check Aurora Water's current restrictions.