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Landscaping: Turf Removal for Residential Customers

Turf Removal Rebate Form - Residential Customers
(pdf / 213 kb / 2 pgs)

PURPOSE
The intent of the turf removal rebate is to reduce outdoor water use and encourage the installation of low-water-use, drought enduring residential landscaping.


ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Turf Removal Rebate for Residential Customers is effective beginning August 5, 2005, and replaces all previous landscape rebate programs. Properties that have received rebate credit in a previous landscape rebate program or have converted turf landscaping prior to August 5, 2005, are not eligible. The turf removal rebate is a one-time credit per property that will be applied
to the water bill.
A rebate is offered for the removal of turf from the landscape and installation of city approved low-water-use landscaping. The rebate amount is calculated based upon the amount of turf removed and landscape installed, and is limited to no more than $1500 per property.
The Turf Removal Rebate Program offers two landscaping options. Applicant must choose one of the following:

  • OPTION 1: Turf removal only. A rebate in the amount of $.25 per square foot, up to the maximum amount of $1500, is offered for the removal of turf if all program requirements are met.
  • OPTION 2: Turf removal with installation of low-water-use plant material. In addition to $.25 per square foot for turf removal, the turf removal rebate amount will be doubled, up to the maximum amount of $1500, when approved low-water-use plants are retained or installed in the area where turf was removed. A minimum of 50% plant canopy coverage (at mature size) of conversion area is required.
    Funds are limited. Rebates will be processed until
    funds are depleted.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
The turf removal rebate is available to single family residential properties that receive water from the Scottsdale water system and meet the program qualifications and requirements stated below.


QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must be the property owner or the party legally responsible for paying the water bill.

Property has a minimum of 500 square feet of established turf area in the landscape that will be removed or converted to low-wateruse landscaping. (New or preexisting low-wateruse landscapes are not eligible for the turf removal rebate but may qualify for the irrigation controller rebate.)


REQUIREMENTS - Option 1 and 2

  • Follow the three steps listed below. Only complete applications submitted with all required information will be processed.
  • A preliminary site inspection to confirm eligibility is required before you begin.
  • When the landscape renovation is finished, a final inspection is required.
  • Landscaping project must be completed within six months of the preliminary inspection date.
  • No plastic sheeting (impermeable weed barrier) will be permitted in a turf removal/conversion area.
  • Exposed soil in conversion areas must be covered. If granite top dressing is used, a minimum 2” layer must cover the soil where
    turf has been removed.
  • Option 2 requires that plant material in the conversion area (both newly installed and/or retained plants) must be listed as low-water-use by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and, at typical mature size, must cover 50% or more of the turf area removed. (Plants and mature size will be based upon regionally applicable references.)

STEP ONE - The application

  • Complete and sign the application form.
  • Take a “before” photo of established turf area.
  • If you choose Option 2 with plant material required, you must include a complete plant list of new and existing low-water-use plants that will be used in the turf conversion area. Plants must be selected from the Arizona Department of Water Resources' Low Water Use/Drought Tolerant Plant List.
  • Submit the application, photo, and plant list if Option 2.
  • Wait to receive application approval from the Water Conservation Office before beginning the project. (Allow two weeks for processing.)

STEP TWO - Before you begin the project
When your application has been approved:

  • You will be contacted by the Water Conservation Office and the preliminary site inspection will be scheduled.
  • Upon verification of eligibility, you may begin your project. (You will have six months to complete the conversion.)

STEP THREE - After you finish the project
When the landscape conversion has been completed:

  • Call the Water Conservation Office to schedule a final inspection.
  • At the final inspection, turf removal and plant material (if Option 2) will be verified, and the conversion area will be photographed.
  • If all requirements are met, the rebate will be approved, and a credit will be applied to your water bill within two billing cycles.

Turf Removal Rebate Application Form - Residential Customers
(pdf / 213 kb / 2 pgs)