Get rewarded for going green with Park City’s landscape initiative

Eligible residents could receive $3.00 for each square foot of turf. Photo: Brian Wangenheim

PARK CITY, Utah – Park City is taking significant strides toward environmental sustainability through its Landscape Incentive Program. This initiative encourages homeowners and business owners to enhance their outdoor spaces with eco-friendly, drought-resistant landscaping while accessing valuable incentives and resources.

The Landscape Incentive Program aims to inspire sustainable outdoor transformations by providing guidance, resources, and financial incentives. Park City Municipal has allocated funds on a first-come, first-served basis for approved projects as long as funding remains available. Applicants have the opportunity to receive up to $15,000 for single-family residential properties and up to $75,000 for other property types. The program focuses on converting traditional water-consuming lawns into landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally mindful.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the program, properties must meet the following criteria:

• The project area must currently feature a living, well-maintained lawn. Lawns that have been killed or removed before a pre-conversion site visit are ineligible.
• The conversion area must be greater than 250 square feet.
• Applicants must be in good standing with Park City Water, with no unpaid water bills.
• Only voluntary projects qualify; projects required by governmental codes are excluded.
• The applicant must be the property owner with the legal authority to make landscape changes.
• Previous rebate recipients for the same project area are not eligible.
• The project must eliminate all lawn from the designated area and replace it with drought-resistant, firewise landscaping.
• Once converted, the area cannot be returned to lawn after receiving incentives.

Property and Landscaping Specifications

The program specifies the types of properties and landscaping methods that are eligible:

• Only privately owned residential or commercial properties qualify—agricultural land, golf courses, parks, and athletic fields are excluded.
• At least 50% of the converted area must consist of firewise plants as identified in Park City Municipal Code 14-15(d), providing vegetative coverage to prevent heat islands.
• The remaining 50% can include woodchip mulch or additional firewise vegetation, with rock cover limited to 20%.
• Fountains, water features, and artificial turf are not permitted in converted areas.

Irrigation and Water Conservation

To further promote water efficiency, any irrigation installed must be a drip irrigation system with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller. Traditional spray irrigation is not allowed. Although not required, water reuse through rainwater capture or graywater systems is encouraged.

Application Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to participating in the 2025 Landscape Incentive Program:

1. Apply online: Visit mywater.weberbasin.gov and include savewater@parkcity.org in your application.
2. Submit plans: Create and submit a basic site plan along with an irrigation plan and a list of intended plants to Planning@parkcity.org for approval. Do not begin any turf removal before receiving approval.
3. Site visit: Allow up to three weeks for application review and an initial site visit by staff.
4. Sign program agreement: Complete and notarize the program agreement form. Submit an IRS W-9 form to receive payment.
5. Document progress: Take photos of each step—before grass removal, after removal, irrigation conversion, plant installation, and the final landscape.
6. Schedule final inspection: Once work is complete, contact savewater@parkcity.org to schedule a final site visit. This must be done while water is still available for irrigation testing.
7. Receive payment: If approved, you will receive $3 per square foot converted. Payments typically take two to four weeks to process.

Projects must be completed within 12 months to be eligible for payment. If any part of the project is non-compliant upon inspection, you have 60 days to make corrections.

Park City’s Landscape Incentive Program provides a fantastic opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while enhancing the beauty and value of your property. By transforming traditional lawns into drought-resistant, firewise landscapes, you not only conserve water but also protect against fire risks and reduce maintenance costs. Join the movement toward a greener Park City by participating in this impactful program.

For more information or to apply, visit mywater.weberbasin.gov or email savewater@parkcity.org.