Grass Removal Program for Phoenix Homeowners-$2 per square foot

Transform Your Yard with Desert Landscaping
Join the Residential Grass Removal Program

Phoenix homeowners can take advantage of the $2 per square foot Grass Removal Program to create a more sustainable, desert-friendly landscape. If you’re a homeowner and receive a city services bill, you could qualify for financial assistance through this program!
Transforming your yard to a desert landscape is a key step in conserving water. Removing grass lawns is the first move toward a water-efficient garden. By choosing desert plants, artificial turf, and/or pavers you can reduce outdoor water consumption by up to 85% compared to traditional grass lawns. Plus, it minimizes maintenance. Join the movement and become Phoenix Water Smart by replacing your grass!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Your grass must be at least 75% healthy and alive before removal, including dormant grass. Areas with bare soil or weeds should account for less than 25% of the grass removal area.
• You must be the property owner and a Phoenix Water Services customer, meaning you receive a water or city services bill from the City of Phoenix.
• A minimum of 250 square feet of grass must be removed.
• Water features or pools cannot be installed in the grass removal area.
• After removing grass, bare soil in the area is prohibited.
• You’ll need to submit an estimate of the grass area to be removed, along with pre-project photos and a map of the area. Refer to the Required Documentation section below.
• Grass cannot be replaced once removed while you own the property (see terms and conditions).
• Ensure your landscape design complies with any Homeowner’s Association (HOA) rules.

Required Documentation:

To complete your application, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Aerial Image of the grass removal area with square footage estimation. Use the City’s Square Footage Measurement Tool (check out instructional videos in English and Spanish).
2. Project Description: Fill out the Project Description Form outlining what will replace the grass.
3. Before Photos: Two images of the area showing the current grass condition (must have at least 75% healthy grass).
4. IRS W-9 Form.
5. Affidavit of Lawful Presence: Along with a copy of your ID (jpeg or PDF format).
6. Notice to Proceed (NTP) from Phoenix Water Services.
7. After Photos: Once the project is complete, submit photos of the newly landscaped area along with the NTP to wsd.incentives@phoenix.gov.

If photos aren’t clear enough, a video call or site inspection might be required.

How to Apply:

1. Request a Notice to Proceed (NTP): Log in to the myPHX311 portal and submit the following:
   • Project Description Form.
   • Aerial Image of the grass area to be removed.
   • Before Photos showing the grass condition.
2. Once the application is reviewed, staff will verify the square footage and, if needed, perform a site inspection.
3. After approval, you’ll receive the NTP. Please wait for this before starting the work.
4. Start the project: You have six months from the NTP date to complete it.
5. Complete the project: Once finished, submit your final photos and NTP to wsd.incentives@phoenix.gov.
6. Final Approval: After review, you’ll be notified of approval, and the incentive payment will be sent to you by check.

Additional Information:

• Projects exceeding 5,000 square feet will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funds.
• Grass removal in the Right-Of-Way is not eligible for replanting under Phoenix AMA regulations. New plants must come from the Low-Water-use/Drought-Tolerant list.
• All projects must follow Maricopa County Dust Control rules.

Ready to start? Contact us today to see if you’re eligible!