What Scottsdale pays
Scottsdale reopened its rebates on July 9, 2026. The grass removal rebate offers up to $40,000 per eligible property, and the streetscape bonus adds up to $10,000 for removing ornamental grass adjacent to streets or sidewalks, for a maximum of $50,000. The program runs until April 30, 2027, or until funding runs out.
In recent program years, the base rate was $2 per square foot of grass removed with a 2,000 square foot minimum, and the streetscape bonus paid $5 per linear foot. Confirm this year's rates before you budget.
Approval comes first
Before any grass is removed, you need all required city approvals, including Planning and Development Services review of the landscape changes, and a Notice to Proceed from Conservation. A consultation with the Conservation office is required for grass removal rebates. Grass removed before approval doesn't qualify.
Design rules to plan around
- Grass must be healthy, at least 50% dense, or on a working, scheduled irrigation system
- Drip for new plants and sprinklers for remaining grass must be on separate zones
- Plantings must meet Scottsdale's landscape ordinance for low-water-use plants
- No high-water-use plants, fountains or pools in the converted area
- Artificial turf is decided by Planning case by case and can't have sprinkler irrigation
Street-adjacent grass strips are often the easiest win: they're hard to water without overspray and they count toward the streetscape bonus.
Free help for Scottsdale HOAs
Scottsdale Water also runs a free HOA program that meets with boards, property managers or landscapers to find more efficient ways to water. It's a good first step before you plan a conversion.
Pro Turf designs and builds grass removal and xeriscape conversions in Scottsdale and handles the irrigation changes the program requires. Questions about eligibility go to Scottsdale Water Conservation at 480-312-5650.
