Phoenix homeowners now have the chance to transform their yards and contribute to water conservation efforts through the Residential Grass Removal Program. With this initiative, Phoenix pays eligible homeowners $2 for every square foot of grass they remove, helping them switch to more sustainable desert landscaping.

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Why Desert Landscaping?

In the arid climate of Phoenix, water conservation is crucial. Lawns, which require significant amounts of water, are a major contributor to household water usage. By replacing grass with desert-friendly, drought-resistant plants, homeowners can reduce water consumption by up to 85% compared to maintaining a grass lawn. Not only does this reduce outdoor water use, but it also lowers the amount of maintenance needed to care for traditional grass lawns.

Eligibility for the Grass Removal Program

To participate in the program, homeowners must meet certain requirements:

• The grass to be removed must be at least 75% healthy, live grass. Areas with over 25% bare soil or weeds will not qualify.
• A minimum of 250 square feet of grass must be removed.
• Applicants must be homeowners within Phoenix city limits who receive a water services bill from the City of Phoenix.
• Grass removed cannot be reinstalled on the property while the homeowner remains in possession of the property.

Water features, pools, or bare soil left in place after grass removal are prohibited.

Application Process

The process to apply for the program is straightforward but requires several steps:

1. Obtain a Notice to Proceed (NTP): Start by submitting an application through the myPHX311 portal. Homeowners must include the following:
   • A project description outlining what will replace the grass.
   • An aerial image showing the area to be converted, with the square footage of grass to be removed.
   • Two photos of the existing grass area to confirm that it meets the 75% density requirement.
2. Submit Documentation: Applicants will need to provide the following:An Affidavit of Lawful Presence form and a copy of their ID.
   • An IRS W-9 form.
   • The project description form (submitted in PDF format).
3. Project Review: Once the application is submitted, the city will review the provided materials. If the photos or measurements are unclear, a video call or an in-person site inspection may be required.
4. Approval and Notice to Proceed: Once approved, homeowners will receive a Notice to Proceed (NTP), authorizing them to begin removing the grass. It is important to wait for this approval before starting any work, as any actions taken prior to receiving the NTP are not eligible for incentives.
5. Complete the Project: Homeowners have six months from the NTP date to complete the project. Upon completion, they must notify the Water Conservation Office by submitting final photos of the completed landscape.
6. Receive Incentive Payment: After the project is reviewed and approved, homeowners will receive the financial incentive via check, which may take 1-2 billing cycles to process.

Important Details

• The program is first-come, first-served, with funding limited to a specific budget. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
• For projects over 5,000 square feet, approval will be on a case-by-case basis, depending on funding availability.
• All landscaping must comply with Maricopa County regulations and the Low-Water-use/Drought-Tolerant Plant list.

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The Benefits of Participating

Switching from grass to desert landscaping not only helps save water but also benefits the environment by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This program is a great way for Phoenix residents to become Water Smart while creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that thrives in Arizona’s climate.
For more information or to start your application, visit the myPHX311 portal. Whether it’s for aesthetic, environmental, or financial reasons, taking part in the Residential Grass Removal Program is an excellent step toward a more sustainable and water-efficient future.

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