Park City Municipal is offering incentives to residents who are swapping their lawns for water-wise landscaping. Photo: Andres Siimon//UnSplash

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Municipal is offering incentives to residents and businesses who replace traditional lawns with drought-resistant, fire-wise landscaping through its Landscape Incentive Program.

The program is designed to support water conservation and more sustainable outdoor spaces by providing rebates to property owners who convert existing grass lawns into water-wise landscaping. Participants can receive $3 per square foot for qualifying projects, with maximum reimbursements capped at $15,000 for single-family homes and $75,000 for other property types.

Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis once projects are approved, according to the city.

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To qualify, applicants must convert at least 250 square feet of living, well-maintained lawn. Properties where grass has already been removed or has died are not eligible. The program is open to privately owned residential and commercial properties but does not apply to agricultural land, golf courses, parks, or athletic fields.

Water-wise landscaping projects must meet specific requirements. At least 50% of the converted area must be replanted with vegetation identified as fire-wise under Park City Municipal Code. The remaining area may include additional vegetation or non-vegetative materials such as mulch, though rock coverage is limited to 20 percent. The requirements are in part to maintain the aesthetic of the area, according to program information.

Artificial turf and new water features are not permitted. If irrigation is installed, it must be a drip system paired with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller. Water reuse systems, such as rainwater capture or graywater, are encouraged but not required.

More information, including application instructions, is available through Park City’s water conservation program.