HOA Support

The City will cover 50% of the cost of a detailed irrigation audit, up to $2,000 per property, for irrigation systems with up to 73 zones. The HOA is responsible for the remaining audit cost. If an HOA has more than 73 irrigation zones, the City will subsidize the first 73 zones, and the HOA may contract directly with the City's irrigation audit vendor to pay the full cost of auditing any additional zones. The audit must be completed in 2026. If the HOA completes recommended repairs before June 30, 2027, and provides documentation, the City will apply eligible repair costs toward the HOA's share of the audit, up to a maximum total incentive of $4,000. Otherwise, the HOA will be invoiced for its cost share.

For example, if the total cost of the Irrigation Audit is $3,000, the HOA cost share will be $1,500 and the city will cover the remaining cost. If the HOA proceeds with $1,500+ of recommended repairs from the audit, the city will waive the HOA’s cost share.

Use the calculator in the application to determine the HOA cost share.

Click here for the program application. Because this is a pilot program, a limited number of HOAs will be selected for participation. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, no later than August 31, 2026. HOAs that can complete audits and repairs prior to 2026 sprinkler winterization will be prioritized. HOAs will generally be notified of their application status via e-mail within one month.  

Selected HOAs that wish to participate in the program will be required to sign a Customer Agreement with the city. View a template of the agreement here(PDF, 168KB).

How do I determine the HOA cost share for participation?
Use the calculator in the program application.

Can an HOA participate if they have more than 73 zones?
Yes, the HOA is still eligible to participate. The City will subsidize the first 73 zones, and the HOA may contract directly with the City's irrigation audit vendor to pay the full cost of auditing any additional zones.

What information will be provided from the audit?
The HOA will receive a detailed report that includes a summary of existing conditions, recommended repairs referencing specific irrigation zones, estimated costs for repairs and upgrades, and potential water savings.

What kind of recommendations will the audit make?
While each HOA will have its own detailed list of recommended repairs referencing specific zones, common recommendations for large HOA properties include repairing leaks and broken sprinkler heads, adjusting sprinkler heads, and installing high efficiency spray nozzles.

If the HOA proceeds with making repairs, who determines the repairs that should be made?
The HOA may decide which repairs to complete based on the list of recommended repairs from the audit. The HOA does not need to complete all recommended repairs.

Who completes the irrigation repairs?
The HOA is responsible for hiring a contractor to complete repairs. The City or their designee will meet with the Contractor and HOA to review repair recommendations.

Who do I contact with additional questions?
Please email Sustainability@LakewoodCO.gov