Turf Removal Rebate

Save up to 70% of the water used for irrigation by replacing turfgrass with low-water use plants! Commercial and multifamily Tucson Water customers can now qualify for a rebate of up to $100,000 to remove ornamental (or non-functional) turfgrass and replace with desert-adapted trees and shrubs. This is a limited time opportunity. Funds will be issued on a first come first serve basis.

Customer and Property Eligibility

  • Applicants must be Tucson Water commercial, industrial, institutional, or multifamily customer with active water service at the time of application submittal.
  • HOA applicants must have the following document signed by the President of the HOA. - HOA Letter of Consensus(PDF, 47KB)
  • The official applicant must be the current property owner or authorized party on the water account.
  • Customer is eligible to apply for the rebate and incentives on a per property basis if the property is actively served by a Tucson Water meter.

Pricing Details

Turf removal rebate is $5 per square foot up to $100,000 per property. Only turfgrass removed that meets the City of Tucson Ordinance definition of ornamental turf will be rebated. Final rebate amount determined after site visit is complete. Rebate amount will not exceed total pre-tax project cost. Customers can receive the following optional incentives:

  • $100 per trees that are a minimum size of 15 gallons (1 1/2 inch caliper). Trees must be newly planted within the turf removal area rebated and must be on the qualifying plant list.
  • $1.00 per gallon of rainwater harvesting basin capacity up to $5,000 per property. Basins must be installed within turf removal area and meet all detention and retention requirements (slope no steeper than four to one) and site grading requirements (basin not to exceed two feet below grade). Basin depth must be a minimum of 4 inches.

Turf Removal Requirements

  • Proposed removal and conversions must be approved by appropriate jurisdiction's Planning and/or Development Services Department.
  • Only grass that is alive and growing is eligible. Dead grass does not qualify.
  • All qualifying rebate turf areas must be defined as ornamental turf as defined by City of Tucson UDC 7.6.4,Landscape Standards:
    • Grass areas with any single dimension of eight feet or less
    • Grass areas exceeding a 4-to-1, or 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 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 not utilized for active recreational purposes.
    • Tucson Water may not rebate the removal of turfgrass if it is covering roots of established trees with large canopies. Removing this grass even with additional irrigation, can weaken, damage, or even kill trees. This will be determined on a case by case basis.
    • Customer will need to submit revised landscape plan for review and approval to Tucson Water (or other jurisdiction if outside City of Tucson).

Planting Requirements

Irrigation Requirements

  • Must put in pressure regulator to convert from spray to drip irrigation.
  • Drip and bubblers are allowed, no spray irrigation.
  • Separate shut-off valve for irrigation line to allow for easier shutoff and onsite water management.
  • Installing separate lines and watering zones for different plant types (e.g. shrubs and groundcovers, cacti and trees) is recommended to increase watering efficiency.
  • Must follow plumbing codes for irrigation.

Not Permitted

  • No hardscape within transformed area, except ADA accessible permeable paths are allowed.
  • Existing dead turfgrass and replacement artificial grass will not be rebated.
  • No fountains, pools, oasis areas, or other water-intensive features are permitted in the conversion area.
  • Areas with concrete, structures, black plastic sheeting, or other surfaces that air and water cannot move through will be disqualified.

Application Process

  1. Fill out Turf Removal Rebate Eligibility Form
    • Ensure that the water account holder (or an authorized party) is filling out the form and agrees to be the point of contact for the entire rebate process.
  2. Schedule Site Visit
    • A Tucson Water staff member will review the application and reach out to schedule a site visit to the property. During this visit, staff will measure eligible square footage, take pictures of the area planned for removal, set deadlines, and answer questions about the process.
  3. Create Landscape Project Plan
    • Post-visit, the customer will need to send a landscape plan to the Tucson Water staff or conservation@tucsonaz.gov for approval. Note- applicants within the towns of Marana and Oro Valley will need jurisdictional approvals before Tucson Water can approve a plan.
  4. Begin Project
    • Once the plan is approved, the staff member will issue a “Notice to Proceed” via email to the applicant and the project may begin. Feel free to reach out to Tucson Water with any questions or concerns during this time.

Project Completion

  1. Notify Tucson Water
    • Once the project is finished, email or call Tucson Water staff in order to set up a final inspection visit. During this visit, staff will inspect project area and ensure that the approved plan was followed.
  2. Prepare Documents
    • In order to finalize the rebate, Tucson Water must receive a signed W-9 Form and final, itemized project invoice for the turf removal project. Note: rebate amount cannot exceed the total cost of the project.
  3. Approval of Rebate
    • Once the W-9 and invoices are received, Tucson Water staff will review the entirety of the application and documents. Approval will follow if all conditions are met and a check will be mailed out to the address provided on the W-9 form. Checks should be expected within 5-7 weeks of approval, or possibly sooner. 

The purpose of the ornamental turf removal rebate program is to conserve water and promote a healthy, low-water- use landscape.  Tucson Water staff will follow up with rebate awardees in order to help track water use and ensure savings.  Removing turfgrass should results in significant outdoor water use and our conservation team is willing to provide assistance in order to achieve those savings. 

Apply for Turf Removal Rebate

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