Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate Program Policy

Chandler Multi-Family, Homeowners’ Associations (HOA), and Commercial water utility customers who irrigate grass landscapes on a consistent basis and meet the program requirements. Areas served by flood irrigation are not eligible.

• Rebate applications and forms must be filled out and submitted by the property owner, accountholder, or HOA Board President. A designated representative may apply for the rebate with written permission from the property owner, account holder, or HOA Board President.
• Projects must be complete within 90 days of the Notice to Proceed being issued unless prior approval has been granted by Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office.
• The entire property must be landscaped prior to conversion. Exposed soil in conversion areas must be landscaped. Bare soil is not acceptable.
• A minimum of 5,000 square feet of existing, living grass must be converted to low-water-use landscaping. The 5,000 square feet minimum may be waived at the discretion of Department if all remaining grass on the property is removed.
• Plant material in the conversion area must be listed on the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List and, at typical mature size, must provide a minimum plant canopy coverage of 50% or match the existing density, as determined by the Water Conservation Office. Email Water Conservation Office with plant coverage inquiries.
• Existing density of the non-conversion area must include a minimum of 25% plant canopy coverage from plants found on the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List, with in organic or organic top dressing. Inorganic top dressing includes gravel, river rock, and decomposed granite. Organic top dressing includes bark, shredded bark, or mulch. If granite top dressing is used, a minimum 2” layer must be used. If artificial turf is used it cannot include sprinkler irrigation or any water-based cooling system.
• Non-pervious materials, such as black plastic sheeting, are not permitted in the rebated area.
• No fountains, pools, or other water-intensive features are permitted in the conversion area.
• A final inspection is required.
• Eligibility only applies to properties replacing grass with low-water-use plants. A property already landscaped with low-water-use plants will not be eligible for a rebate. New construction is ineligible.
• Applicants must ensure their new landscape design complies with their Master HOA or Property Owners’ Association Covenants, Codes & Restrictions.

• Email or call the Water Conservation Office to request a “Pre-Application” meeting prior to completing the rebate application to discuss the project size, scope and feasibility.
• Complete the Pre-Grass-Removal Notice to Proceed Application.
• Upload and submit the following required documents: at least two “before” photos showing theestablished grass areas from multiple angles; completed and signed W-9, to-scale map/drawingof the conversion plan including a detailed legend listing all low-water use plants to be includedin the final design; and project cost estimate/bid.
• Once the application is received, Conservation staff will verify the grass removal areameasurements and determine if any areas meet the non-functional grass definition.Conservation will work with the Development Services Department to review the submission forcompliance with Chandler’s Landscape Ordinance. Installation of artificial turf will bedetermined on a case-by-case basis which will be discussed during the “Pre-Application”meeting.
• Conservation staff will notify the applicant by email if an onsite pre-inspection is required.
  • The rebate is based on the final paid invoice and non-functional grass measurement(s)as verified by Conservation staff and will be included in the Notice to Proceed (NtP).Conservation’s measurement is the official rebate measurement and is determinedusing the data submitted and aerial imagery or through an on-site inspection.
    • Artificial turf vendor measurements are frequently larger to account for curvesand cuts. Conservation rebate measurements are solely for the removal of existing grass.
  • Contact Water Conservation Office with concerns regarding pre-grass removalmeasurements. Do not overseed, remove grass, or remove a functioning irrigation systemuntil the review is complete, or Conservation’s original measurement will stand.
• Applicant will receive the NtP via email once Conservation and the Development ServicesDepartment have agreed on eligibility. Applicant can begin the grass removal project once theNtP is received.
• When the landscape conversion is done, complete the “Grass Removal Application”.
• Upload and submit the following required documents: at least two photos of the completedlandscape from various angles; copy of the itemized receipt with proof of payment; and to-scaleas-built map/drawing if any design changes were made after the NtP.
• Grass removal and plant material will be verified at the final inspection.
• If all requirements are met and the rebate is approved, Applicant will receive an email informingof the approval, and a check will be issued within two billing cycles of the approval.

IRS regulations require a single customer receiving rebates totaling $600 or more within the calendar year to submit a completed W-9 form to receive rebate payments. Applications missing the required W-9 forms will not be processed. 1099 forms will be mailed to affected customers after December 31st each year. Please contact a qualified tax professional for additional information.