Single Family Grass Removal Rebate Program Policy

Chandler property owners with a corresponding active Chandler water utility account, who irrigate grass landscapes on a consistent basis and meets 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. A designated representative may apply for the rebate with written permission from the property owner.
• The project must be completed within 90 days of the Notice to Proceed being issued, unless prior approval is given by the Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office.
• The entire front and back yards must be landscaped prior to conversion. Exposed soil in conversion areas must be landscaped. Bare soil is not acceptable.
• A minimum of 500 square feet of existing, living grass area in the landscape must be converted to low-water use landscaping. The 500 square feet minimum may be waived at the discretion of the Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office 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 on the property of 50% or more of the landscapable area. Please email the Water Conservation Office with mature plant size inquiries. If the non-conversion landscape area meets or exceeds 50% plant canopy coverage, the conversion area coverage requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Water Conservation Office.
• Plants must be purchased from a nursery.
• The rebate amount will be determined based on the square footage of grass removal which is converted to xeriscape design. Any landscaped area converted to artificial turf will not qualify for the rebate.
• After conversion, a minimum of 50% of the total landscapable area must be non-grass with plant canopy coverage from plants found on the Phoenix AMA Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant Plant List, with inorganic 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 layer of 2” must be used.
• 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 if the images provided are not adequate.
• Eligibility only applies to properties replacing grass with low-water use plants. A property currently landscaped without grass will not be eligible for a rebate if the area is redone. New construction is ineligible.
• Applicants must ensure their new landscape design and installation complies with their Homeowners’ Association Covenants, Codes & Restrictions.

• Email or call the Water Conservation Office with any questions prior to completing the rebate application.
• Complete the Pre-Grass-Removal Notice to Proceed Application.
• Upload and submit at least two “before” photos showing the established grass areas from multiple angles with the application.
• Once the application is received, Water Conservation staff will verify the grass removal areameasurement. Water Conservation staff will notify the applicant by email if an onsite pre-inspection is required.
  • The rebate is based on the measurement as verified by Conservation staff and will beincluded in the Notice to Proceed (NtP). Conservation’s measurement is the officialrebate measurement and is determined using the data submitted and aerial imagery orthrough an on-site inspection. The rebate is $1.50 per square foot of grass removed witha maximum of $2,000. Rebates are paid in 10 square feet increments, rounding up to thenearest increment.
  • Artificial turf vendor measurements are frequently larger to account for curves and cuts.Conservation rebate measurements are solely for the removal of existing grass.
  • Contact the 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. The NtP notifies of eligibility and the approval to proceed
• 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; Selected Plant List; and completed and signed W-9 if the rebateamount on the NtP exceeds $599.
• Grass removal and plant material will be verified at the final inspection.
• If all requirements are met and the rebate is approved, the applicant will receive an emailinforming of the approval and credit amount to be applied to the utility services account.

1. 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 31 each year. Please contact a qualified tax professional for additional information.
    
2. Artificial Turf
   1. Why does the rebate exclude artificial turf?
      While artificial turf does provide a potential water savings benefit, there are alsopotential negative environmental impacts. Arizona’s intense sun may deteriorate artificial turf more quickly than expected. It is difficult to recycle and often ends up in a landfill where it can cause chemicals or microplastics to escape into the environment, negatively impacting our watershed. Research shows that artificial turf can reach 180 degrees in the summer and contributes to urban heat island effect. Surface temperatures are similar to asphalt pavement during the summer months.
       
   2. Where may artificial turf be beneficial?
      Artificial turf may be beneficial in difficult-to-water areas such as small, shadedareas where living grass is difficult to grow. Shade trees may be considered to help control heat effects of artificial turf. However, it is important to evaluate whether the location may cause damage to tree trunks and roots.
       
   3. Where may artificial turf not be beneficial?
      Artificial turf may not be beneficial in areas frequently used by children or pets,especially in large applications without shade, due to the heat effects. Additionally, it may not be beneficial around tree roots or near plants that may be negatively affected by radiant heat, such as saguaros or other cacti. Consider limiting artificial turf in areas where infrastructure may need to be accessed in the future such as drip irrigation lines, underground cables, etc.