The City of Phoenix pays $2 per square foot of grass you remove and replace, with a 250 sq ft minimum. The one rule that matters most: nothing comes out until the city approves your project in writing. Here is the whole process, in order.
1. Check that you qualify
- You own the home (landlords may apply for rental properties).
- You are a Phoenix Water Services customer.
- The grass is alive and healthy at 75% density or more (bare soil and weeds under 25%).
2. Measure your grass
Phoenix asks for an aerial image showing the square footage. Outline your lawn in our studio to get the area, then print the prep sheet for your application.
3. Take two photos of the grass
You need two photos of the grass before anything is removed.
4. Plan what replaces it
- Describe what will replace the grass; desert landscaping is recommended.
- Plants in the right-of-way must come from the Low-Water-Use/Drought-Tolerant plant list.
- Follow your HOA rules and Maricopa County Rule 310.01.
What you can't do:
- Do not remove any grass before you receive the Notice to Proceed.
- No water features or pools in the removal area.
- No bare soil after the project.
- Grass cannot be reinstalled while you own the property.
5. Gather your documents
- Aerial image showing the square footage
- Two photos of the grass before removal
- Project description form
- IRS W-9
- Affidavit of Lawful Presence with a copy of your ID
- Rental Properties Form (rentals only)
- After completion: at least two photos and a copy of the NTP
6. Apply
Online through the myPHX311 portal only (no mail or email).7. Wait for the Notice to Proceed (NTP)
Review can take up to 3 weeks. Don't remove any grass yet. Grass removed before approval can cost you the whole rebate.
8. Do the swap
You have 6 months from the NTP date to finish.
9. Send your after photos
Submit at least two photos of the finished yard and a copy of your Notice to Proceed.
10. Get paid
Check mailed after final approval, typically within 1 to 2 billing cycles.Not sure your yard qualifies? Check your eligibility before you start, or see the Phoenix program summary.