Aurora at a glance
- Water provider
- Aurora Water, run by the City of Aurora. Source
- Rebate and turf
- The Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) pays $3 per sq ft for water-wise landscape and $0.50 per sq ft for low-water grass, with pre-approval. Aurora says artificial turf is allowed under city code but isn't eligible for the rebate. Source
- Next GRIP windows
- November 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027, and March 1 to July 1, 2027. Source
- New-home grass limits
- Since September 30, 2022, new single-family homes can't have cool-season grass such as bluegrass in front or side yards, and backyard grass is capped at the lesser of 45% or 500 sq ft. Source
- Rain and elevation
- About 17.6 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Aurora station). Around 5,480 feet at the Municipal Center (USGS). Source
Turf is allowed in Aurora, but it isn’t the rebate
Aurora Water’s Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP) pays you to swap grass for water-wise landscape or low-water grass. The city’s own FAQ is clear: you can install artificial turf under city code, but it doesn’t count for the rebate. GRIP projects must be approved before work starts, and the next application window opens on November 1, 2026.
That makes a mixed yard worth considering. Turf can go where you need a lawn that takes daily use, and water-wise beds elsewhere may qualify for GRIP. We can plan both so the edges, levels and drainage work together.
Newer homes have less room for grass
Aurora limits grass on new development. Since September 30, 2022, new single-family homes can’t have cool-season grass such as bluegrass in front or side yards. Backyard grass is capped at the lesser of 45% or 500 sq ft. If your home is newer, part of your yard may already be rock or bare soil. Artificial turf can turn that into a usable space for kids or dogs without adding irrigated lawn.
Built for Front Range weather
The Colorado Climate Center notes that most of Colorado’s severe storm damage happens along the Front Range and the eastern plains, with severe hail peaking around mid-June. The Colorado Geological Survey also lists swelling clay soils as a major problem across the metro. Both are reasons we spend time on the base, compaction and drainage, so the surface stays flat and water drains away.
Talk to Indy
Aurora is part of our Denver metro service area. Send your address and a little about the project, and we’ll arrange a free estimate.
A few things you might be wondering
Is artificial turf allowed in Aurora?
Yes. Aurora's own rebate page says you may install artificial turf under city code. It just isn't eligible for the GRIP rebate. An HOA may still have its own approval process, especially for front yards.
Can I combine GRIP with artificial turf in the same yard?
GRIP pays only for the qualifying water-wise landscape or low-water grass, and it needs pre-approval before work starts. Some homeowners convert one area to water-wise planting under GRIP and use turf where they need a durable lawn. Check Aurora's current terms before you apply, and we'll plan the layout around them.
My new-build backyard is mostly bare. Where do we start?
With what you need the space for: a dog run, a play lawn or somewhere to sit. Newer Aurora homes are limited in how much real grass they can have, so a turf area plus water-wise beds is a common way to get a usable yard. We'll look at levels, drainage and access at the free estimate.
