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 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 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 Eligibility determined by Aurora Water staff 2. Submit paperwork Wait for project approval 3. Obtain necessary approvals and permits 4. Begin installation 5. First inspection 6. Finish installation 7. 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: DoNotReply@apps2auroragov.org 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 Valid form of I.D. I.R.S. form W-9 Landscape design and plant list Email current photos to Zach, zverslui@auroragov.org 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 Work of art not necessary Drawn to-scale Draw plants to near mature size Label the following: 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, zverslui@auroragov.org

Plant list example

Getting Started Photos Email to Zach zverslui@auroragov.org 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 installation - Boulder Plopped on top Looks out of place Slightly buried Looks natural

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 Hand watered Moderate - high Very low N/A Existing spray system Low Low - moderate N/A Drip retrofit Very high Moderate Moderately difficult Drip new system Very high Moderately - expensive Difficult

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 zverslui@auroragov.org

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.)

Final Inspection Submit remaining receipts prior to final inspection Call Zach when the project is complete Zach looks for the following: 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.) Rain Sensors, Item wired wireless Unit Rebate Value $15 $50 Notes 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) zverslui@auroragov.org