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How to Apply for Fort Collins, Colorado Water Rebates

Fort Collins XIP pays $0.75/sq ft (base) plus a $0.25/sq ft native plant bonus for qualifying xeriscape conversions, with a $750 cap on the base rebate. A separate $0.30/sq ft upfront bonus (max $3,000) is available for 2025 projects. A xeriscape class and pre-approval are required before starting.

What You Will Need

  • Fort Collins Utilities account number
  • Planned conversion square footage
  • Proposed plant list (note percentage of native species)
  • Proof of xeriscape class completion
  • Before-and-after photographs of the project area
  • Plant receipts with species identification
  • Mulch and irrigation receipts

Application Steps

  1. 1

    Attend a free Fort Collins Utilities xeriscape class

    Register for a free xeriscape class through fcgov.com/utilities. Class attendance is required before submitting an XIP application. Classes are offered periodically throughout the year; check the utilities calendar for upcoming sessions.

    Fort Collins XIP program page and class schedule
  2. 2

    Apply online at fcgov.com and receive pre-approval

    After completing the class, submit the XIP application at fcgov.com/utilities. Include the planned conversion square footage, your utility account number, and your proposed plant list. Wait for written pre-approval before removing any lawn.

    • Fort Collins Utilities account number
    • Planned conversion square footage
    • Proposed plant list (note percentage of native species)
    • Proof of xeriscape class completion
    Fort Collins XIP application
  3. 3

    Remove lawn and install xeriscape

    After receiving pre-approval, remove the qualifying lawn and install drought-tolerant plants and mulch. If pursuing the native plant bonus, ensure at least 80% of plants are from the Fort Collins-approved native species list. Photograph the area before and after installation.

    • Before-and-after photographs of the project area
    • Plant receipts with species identification
    • Mulch and irrigation receipts
  4. 4

    Schedule a post-installation inspection and receive rebate

    Contact Fort Collins Utilities to schedule the final inspection. The inspector will measure the converted area, verify plant species and coverage, and confirm the native plant percentage if you are claiming the bonus. After approval, the rebate is issued per the standard program schedule.

Attend a xeriscape class and apply for pre-approval before starting any work. Class schedule and application at fcgov.com/utilities (last verified May 2026, fcgov.com).

Full Program Details

See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.

Fort Collins, Colorado Water Rebates — full guide