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Lawn and Irrigation

Aurora Water is currently in a Stage 1 Water Shortage.
Installation of Kentucky bluegrass, Fescue and other high-water-use grass is not permitted.
If you are requesting a permit for a low-water-use grass, please contact
[email protected] before proceeding.

Permits are required for new installations

Since almost half of the water used by our customers is used to water lawns and landscaping, Aurora Water requires lawn and irrigation permits to ensure healthy, water-wise lawns and protect your investment. Because of the low nutrient content of soils in our region, we require the addition of compost, resulting in healthier and more drought-tolerant turf.

A lawn, seed and irrigation permit is required for:

  • The installation and replacement of new turf (sod or seed) at any time of year.

  • Installing a new irrigation/sprinkler system where none currently exists, or replacing or renovating an existing system (such as adding a zone or changing the size of a system) at a residence.

Landscapers installing an irrigation/sprinkler system for commercial or multi-family projects. These projects must additionally submit irrigation plans for review.

The permit will exempt the applicant from water restrictions to promote successful establishment of new sod or seed. New seed is granted a watering exemption for 30 days, and new sod is granted a watering exemption for 20 days. The permit does not give you more water, just more time to apply it. Normal water rates apply, so water wisely. Watering is not permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., except with a permit.

Manufacturer

Product Name

A-1 Organics

BioComp, Ecogro

Alpine Waste & Recycling

ERL Compost I

B.O.S.S. Compost

Black Tea Compost, Boston Tea Compost, Black Tea Outback Compost

CMI Organics

Western Class I Compost

Colorado Landscape Materials

5-Way Planters Mix

Humalfa

Nature’s Prescription

Renewable Fiber Inc.

Royal Compost, Bio Compost


Stage 1 Drought Restrictions

In accordance with Stage 1 Drought Restrictions, only the installation of low-water-use turf and grasses is permitted. Examples of allowable options include:

  • Buffalograss
  • Dog Tuff Bermudagrass
  • Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass
  • Native grass seed

 Email [email protected] with questions.

Irrigation standards and inspection

Before installing sod, seed or irrigation, schedule an inspection to ensure the project complies with Aurora Water’s standards. 
Click here for the Irrigation Standards Factsheet in English and here for the Residential Irrigation Standards in Spanish.

Failure to obtain a permit and pass the required inspection for new irrigation and/or turf installations may result in fines.

Add compost amendment to the soil before a permit will be issued. Prepare turf grass area with a minimum of 4 cubic yards/1,000 sq. ft. with compost, rototilled to 6" inches deep. For questions, email [email protected].

Manufacturer                        Product name    

A-1 Organics                          BioComp, Ecogro
Alpine Waste & Recycling         ERL Compost I

B.O.S.S. Compost                   Black Tea Compost, Boston Tea Compost,

                                            Black Tea Outback Compost

CMI Organics                         Western Class I Compost

Colorado Landscape Materials  5-Way Planters Mix
Colorado Manure Hauling          Richer Lands Compost     
Humalfa                                Nature's Prescription 
Renewable Fiber Inc.              Royal Compost, Bio Compost
Smith Ag Inc                         5-Way Planters Mix, Premium Compost

Lawn, seed and irrigation permit application

Please fill out your lawn, seed and irrigation permit application at the following link: https://devportal.auroragov.org/citizenportal/app/landing.
If this is your first time applying through the new portal, you will need to register. For questions, email
[email protected].

During Stage 1 Drought, the portal has temporarily disabled applications for a lawn, seed and irrigation permit. Please email [email protected] to apply for your permit.

If you are unsure whether you need a permit, email [email protected] or call 303.739.7195.

Lawn and irrigation permits (2026)

First Inspection

Re-Inspection*

Residential

$42.75

$42.75

Commercial

$188.00

$188.00


*Failed inspections or projects not ready at the time of inspection will be charged a re-inspection fee.

Irrigation Plan Review and Standards (non-single family) -- $313.00 per sheet as of Jan. 1, 2026 (Click here for the Spanish translation.)


Document Accessibility

Please know that while the city is working to make all information accessible, some information such as Excel files, plat maps, site plans for development projects, architectural plans, scanned handwritten documents and other highly visual materials provided by third parties outside of the city may not be accessible. If someone needs this material in an alternative format to fully access the information, please contact us at our webform or email us at [email protected] and let us know how best to assist you.
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