Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate Policy

City of Chandler Water Conservation 
 
Large Landscape Grass Removal Rebate Program  
(Policy)  
Authorized by Resolution No. 5723 9/21/2023 
 
ABOUT THE PROGRAM 
The Rebate Program encourages installation of low-water use, drought-tolerant plants (xeriscape) in 
lieu of grass, thereby creating a permanent reduction in the amount of water applied to landscapes.  
 
A single rebate is offered annually for the removal of non-synthetic grass from the landscape and the 
installation of city-approved low-water use landscaping in its place. Rebates are calculated at 25% of the 
cost of the landscape replacement project plus a $3.00 per square foot incentive for non-functional 
grass1 removed, as determined by the Public Works & Utilities Water Conservation Office, and is limited 
to no more than $75,000 per property. 
 
This rebate is solely for landscape conversion and materials. It does not include infrastructure 
improvements and/or accessories unrelated to grass removal and replacement with low-water use 
plants and/or top dressing. 
 
WHO IS ELIGIBLE 
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. 
 
REQUIREMENTS 
• 
Rebate applications and forms must be filled out and submitted by the property owner, account 
holder, 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.  
• 
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 conserve@chandleraz.gov 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 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 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.  
 
1 Non-functional turfgrass shall be defined as: 
• 
Any narrow strips of grass especially areas with any single dimension of ten (10) feet or less. 
• 
Grass areas exceeding a 4:1, or twenty-five percent (25%), slope. 
• 
Grass areas that are not accessible by paved pathways and/or are restricted by physical barriers that prohibit accessibility. 
• 
Grass areas installed closer than ten (10) feet to a street and/or in front entryways to residential neighborhoods or subdivisions where 
other recreational amenities do not exist. 
• 
Grass areas that are dedicated to drainage conveyances, storm basins, erosion control, or operational discharge and are not historically 
utilized for active programmed recreational purposes. 
• 
Any grass area not historically used for recreational purposes and are primarily aesthetic or ornamental.

• 
A final inspection is required. 
• 
Eligibility only applies to properties replacing grass with low-water use plants. A property 
currently landscaped with low-water use plants will not be eligible for a rebate if the area is 
redone. New construction is ineligible.  
• 
Applicants must ensure their new landscape design complies with their Master HOA or Property 
Owners’ Association Covenants, Codes & Restrictions. 
 
GETTING STARTED 
• 
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” found at 
Chandleraz.gov/WaterConservationRebates 
• 
Upload and submit the following required documents: at least two “before” photos showing the 
established grass areas from multiple angles; completed and signed W-9, to-scale map/drawing 
of the conversion plan including a detailed legend listing all low-water use plants to be included 
in the final design; and project cost estimate/bid. 
• 
Once the application is received, Conservation staff will verify the grass removal area 
measurements and determine if any areas meet the non-functional grass definition. 
Conservation will work with the Development Services Department to review the submission for 
compliance with Chandler’s Landscape Ordinance. Installation of artificial turf will be 
determined 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 determined 
using the data submitted and aerial imagery or through an on-site inspection.  
 
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 conserve@chandleraz.gov with concerns regarding pre-grass removal 
measurements. Do not overseed, remove grass, or remove a functioning irrigation system 
until the review is complete, or Conservation’s original measurement will stand.  
• 
Applicant will receive the NtP via email once Conservation and the Development Services 
Department have agreed on eligibility. Applicant can begin the grass removal project once the 
NtP 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 completed 
landscape from various angles; copy of the itemized receipt with proof of payment; and to-scale 
as-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 informing 
of the approval, and a check will be issued within two billing cycles of the approval.  
 
The number of rebates awarded each year will depend upon availability of funds. Rebates are awarded in the 
order applications are received (from the date the completed application is received) on a first come, first 
served basis. The rebate is not retroactive and does not apply to work completed prior to October 1, 2023. 
This is a complete revision/establishment of the Large Landscape Rebate Conversion Program. Rebate 
participants applying for a rebate that have completed a conversion of their landscapes prior to April 1, 2008, 
are only eligible for a $200 rebate according to the previous program guidelines. Rebate participants 
completing work between April 1, 2008, and August 1, 2010, are eligible for $200 per 1,000 square feet up to 
$600. Rebate participants completing work between August 1, 2010, and October 1, 2023, are eligible for 
$200 per 1,000 square feet up to $3,000.

Visit chandleraz.gov/WaterConservatoinRebates to apply for a rebate. Email questions to the Chandler 
Water Conservation Office at conserve@chandleraz.gov or call 480-782-3583. To assist citizens with 
their landscape conversions, free low-water use landscaping and watering resources are available at 
www.chandleraz.gov/Water. 
 
Note: 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.