Single-Family New Home Xeriscape Landscape Installation Rebate

Rebate Amount: You can receive $400 for installing a water-efficient Xeriscape landscape

Steps for Applicants:

1. Familiarize yourself with program requirements and seek approval from the Water Conservation Office by contacting them at ConserveWater@surpriseaz.gov before starting your application.
2. Submit your application online and provide all required documentation and photos between July 1, 2023, and April 15, 2024, via www.surpriseaz.gov/waterconservation.
   • Include at least two photos each of your front and backyard landscapes, taken from different angles.
   • Ensure that these photos are taken within one week of your application date.
3. Complete your landscaping project and notify Water Conservation staff via email by submitting the necessary photos by May 1, 2024.
4. Be prepared for a post-completion inspection during regular business hours.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The applicant must be the current property owner to apply for and receive the rebate.
• The property must:
  • Be a new, single-family residential home purchased within two years prior to the date of application.
  • Receive water services from the City of Surprise. (EPCOR Water customers are ineligible.)
• Rebates are applicable for Xeriscape landscapes that meet the following criteria:
  • The total landscaped area in the front and backyard must exceed 1,000 square feet.
  • Hardscape features such as pools, buildings, patios, pavers, concrete, driveways, etc., are not included in the landscaped square footage.
  • Landscaping should include the installation of living, desert-adapted plants, achieving a minimum canopy coverage of 30%. The expected mature size of plants can count towards this coverage. The trunk or stem of the new plant must be in the converted area to be counted.
  • All plants in the landscape must be listed on the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) plant list.
  • At least 80% of the total backyard landscaped area must be non-grass.
  • Avoid using impermeable barriers such as plastic sheeting.
  • Both front and backyard must be landscaped by the completion deadline to qualify for the rebate. (Unplanted or bare soil does not qualify).
• Backyard Xeriscape landscape installation must start and finish during the active program period: July 1, 2023, through May 1, 2024. (Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2024).
• The front yard can be landscaped at the time of application with ADWR plants, but no grass or turf is allowed.
• Incomplete applications lacking required information or documentation, such as photos, will be considered ineligible.

City’s Role:

• Applications are processed on a first-received, first-served basis until the application deadline or fund depletion, whichever comes first.
• The City provides pre-eligibility approval, conducts inspections, and reserves funds pending project completion.
• Approved applications receive the rebate check.

Tax Information:

• Applicants receiving $600 or more in rebates from the City within a calendar year must submit a W-9 form before the City issues the rebate. The City will send 1099 forms to applicants after December 31 each year. For more information on rebates and taxes, it’s advisable to consult a tax professional.