THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY LAWN BUYBACK PROGRAM GRANTS The City of Palm Springs Offices

of Sustainability has developed a Lawn Buy Back Program to encourage property owners to replace turf with low or no water use desert friendly and native landscaping. The exterior improvements will contribute to overall revitalization using sustainable materials/practices. The first year of the pilot program for fiscal year 2011-2012 provides for grants of up to $2,500 to finance all or a portion of a qualifying property owners landscape improvements. A 50% cash match is required of all applicants regardless of the requested grant amount. Eligible uses of funds may include: Desert friendly low water use plants Native plants Arid plants as recommended through the Coachella Valley Water District Lush and Efficient Landscape guide http://www.cvwd.org/conservation/lush_book/lush3_2.html Landscaping materials including rock, stones, decomposed granite and other permeable landscaping material Pervious paving Other approved landscaping with native plant materials and permeable hardscape Drip Irrigation system

Uses Not Eligible: Funds must be used to replace turf. Funds may not be used for improvements that are not landscape related or do not improve the overall water budget. Improvements that do not decrease overall water use will not be considered. Ineligible uses include; Traditional irrigation Non desert friendly plants Ornamental landscaping Smart control irrigation devices as these may be obtained by participating in programs offered through Desert Water Agency Eligible Applicants: Commercial property owners, Single Family, Multi-family, Homeowner Associations or Condominium Associations owners located in the City of Palm Springs may apply. The purpose of the grants is to provide an opportunity to fund landscape improvements that reduce water consumption and replace turf. The applicant must show evidence of the right to alter the property, or consent from the property owner. Grant Amounts:
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The program provides up to a $500 grant to finance a single family property owners landscape improvements. The formula for the reimbursement to applicants will be at $1 for each square foot up to 500 square feet for a maximum of $500 per single family property for the removal of turf. The program provides up to a $2,500.00 grant to finance a multi family or homeowner associations landscape improvements. The formula for the reimbursement to applicants will be at $1 for each square foot up to 2500 square feet for a maximum of $2500 per homeowners association for the removal of turf in common areas. The maximum grant shall be $2,500. A 50% cash match is required of all grant applicants regardless of the requested grant amount. For example, a $2,500 grant request would require the applicant to provide a minimum of $1250 cash match. Process: Applications are available in the Office of Sustainability or at www.yoursustainablecity.com. The application must include a narrative description of the project scope and either a cost proposal or quote from a contractor licensed to do business within the City of Palm Springs. The applicant will hire any contractors and is responsible for obtaining design approvals if necessary

LAWN BUY BACK PROGRAM APPLICATION ON NEXT FOUR PAGES

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APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant Name: Address: Phone: Email:

PAGE 1

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Description of Proposed Improvements: _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Estimated Cost:___________________ Is this your estimated cost, or have you obtained a bid or estimate from an architect or contractor that is licensed to do business within the City of Palm Springs? ____self ____ contractor ____architect Grant Amount Requested: $____________

(Please provide a copy of estimate and a copy of the business license)

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APPLICATION FORM
PROPERTY INFORMATION
FOR OWNER OCCUPANTS I hereby certify that I am the owner/agent of my property. The property is vested (owned) under the following name: Property Owner Legal Name: ________________________________ Contact Information:
(include name, address, phone and email)

PAGE 2

____________________________
Assessors Parcel Number:

________________________________
FOR CONTRACTOR I hereby attest that the project described above meets or exceeds the requirements for eligible uses of funds as described on Page 1 of this application packet: Contractor- Name on Business License: ________________________________ Contact Information: FOR ARCHITECT I hereby attest that the project described above meets or exceeds the requirements for eligible uses of funds as described on Page 1 of this application packet: Architect- Name on Business License: ________________________________ Contact information:

________________________________

________________________________ PROGRAM BOUNDARIES

________________________________

All Properties located within the City of Palm Springs are ELIGIBLE.

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APPLICATION CHECKLIST
All applicants must provide: Application (Completed and Signed by Applicant) If incorporated, evidence that applicant has authorization to apply for program Verification of Property Ownership, if owner (Title or Deed of Trust) Evidence of Tenants Right to Make Improvements, if tenant or lessee (Signed) Description of Scope of Work Estimate or Bid, if available Copy of meeting minutes or association action approving the improvements, if applicant is HOA Copy of Valid Palm Springs Business License (Contractor hired to perform work) Drawing/sketch of proposed landscape project No assistance may be provided for any contract awarded before the application is approved. Once the application is approved by the City, the applicant must provide the following: Evidence of required permit approvals from the City of Palm Springs if necessary. If claiming cash match, provide verification of funds availability (loan agreement, canceled checks, etc.) Before and After photos of the project I hereby declare that the foregoing information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the City of Palm Springs to verify the information to determine my eligibility and to conduct an inspection of my property. I understand that as the applicant I will hire the contractor and am responsible for obtaining design approvals. I understand that the program provides that the City will reimburse the applicant up to the grant amount for work performed, based on submittal of evidence of work performed and paid, and that the City will not pay contractors or vendors directly. I further understand that I am responsible for payment of costs to complete the landscape project in excess of the approved grant amount, and under no circumstances will the City provide reimbursement in excess of the approved grant amount.
______________________________________________ Applicant ________________________ Date

Mail or deliver completed application with copies of required documents by November 1, 2011 to: City of Palm Springs Office of Sustainability 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Fax: 760-322-8360 or email: Michele.mician@palmspringsca.gov Or mail to: P.O. Box 2743, Palm Springs, CA 92263 Questions please call: 760-323-8214

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