Landscape Design-Build in Chandler, AZ
Just over the city line from our Gilbert studio.
It's a November evening in Chandler. The heat has finally broken, the fire table is on, and the neighbors who came over for one drink are still there two hours later. The kids are on the turf, the pergola lights are on, and the backyard you put off for three summers is finally the best room in the house.
Fernweh Outdoor is a landscape design-build company based just over the city line in Gilbert, at 2536 E Harrison Ct. Owner JR Ramirez is a second-generation landscape contractor with 15 years in the field. Chandler is one of the cities we work in most, and we design and build complete landscapes here: paver and travertine patios, artificial turf, irrigation, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, fire features, lighting, and our signature pondless waterfalls. Every project starts with a site survey and a design you see before we build.
Building in Chandler: what’s different here
Chandler started as a ranch. Dr. A.J. Chandler opened the townsite in 1912, and for decades the area was cotton fields and, for a while, ostrich farms. Today it's a city of about 279,000 with a big range of homes, from established neighborhoods near downtown to newer lake and golf communities in the south. That range shapes the work.
HOAs and neighborhood styles
Most Chandler neighborhoods built in the last few decades are master-planned with HOAs, and most require approval before significant landscape changes. Communities like Ocotillo and Fulton Ranch are built around lakes and waterways, with their own architectural character. Our 3D designs give your HOA a clear, detailed package to review, and if the committee asks for changes, we revise the design. You submit; we make sure it's complete.
Chandler's permit rules, in plain terms
The City of Chandler's Homeowner's Building Permit Manual spells out what needs a permit. The parts that matter most for landscape projects:
- Patio covers require a permit. Open-air ramadas under 10 feet tall can be exempt, but they must stay at least 5 feet from property lines and can't cover more than 30% of the rear yard.
- Retaining walls over 4 feet require a permit. and all walls and fences require zoning clearance regardless of height.
- Gas lines require a permit. including new connections to an existing stub, and underground gas pipe must be buried at least 12 inches.
- New electrical work requires a permit.
Chandler's water rebates (and what they don't cover)
The City of Chandler offers conservation rebates to its water customers. As of this writing:
- Grass to Xeriscape Rebate. $1.50 per square foot of grass converted to xeriscape, up to $2,000. At least 500 square feet must be removed, the new area needs at least 50% ground coverage with low-water-use plants, and you must get pre-approval before removing any grass.
- What isn't eligible. artificial turf, and areas converted to hardscape like pavers.
- Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate. 50% of the purchase price, up to $250, for a controller on the EPA WaterSense weather-based controller list.
That means a turf install or a new paver patio won't earn Chandler's grass rebate, but a desert planting area in the same project can. We'll help you plan a layout that captures the rebate where it makes sense. Talk to us before any grass comes out.
What we build in Chandler
- 3D Landscape Design. A professional site survey of elevations, structures and property lines, so your design meets HOA review and Chandler's setback rules the first time.
- Paver Patios, Walkways and Driveways. Belgard and Phoenix Pavers on a compacted base built to stay flat through monsoon season, with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
- Travertine and Natural Stone. Travertine pool decks with bullnose coping and flagstone patios for Chandler's many backyard pools.
- Artificial Turf. Turf Hub products on a base that drains, for pets, kids and putting greens. (Not eligible for Chandler's grass rebate; the plant areas around it can be.)
- Irrigation Systems. Drip and lawn irrigation with pressure regulation and Wi-Fi controllers. WaterSense-listed models can qualify for Chandler's controller rebate.
- Water Features. Pondless waterfalls and streams with no open standing water, our signature work.
- Ponds. Aquascape-built ponds and water gardens, 24 inches deep for water gardens and 30 inches or more for fish.
- Outdoor Kitchens. Blaze appliances as standard and permitted gas lines, starting at $9,995.
- Shade Structures. Alumawood pergolas and patio covers, engineered, permitted and placed to meet Chandler's setback rules.
- Fire Pits and Fire Tables. Natural gas, propane or wood-burning. Gas and propane can still be used on Maricopa County No Burn Days.
- Landscape Lighting. FX Luminaire and WAC fixtures in brass or cast aluminum.
- Retaining Walls. Belgard and block walls up to 4 feet, the height Chandler allows without a building permit, with zoning clearance handled.
Prefer a set scope and price? See our landscape and water feature packages.
Chandler neighborhoods we serve
We work throughout Chandler, including Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, Clemente Ranch, Cooper Commons, Sun Groves, Warner Ranch, Provinces, Downtown Chandler and the larger lots of Chandler Heights, where more yard means more room for outdoor kitchens, pools and water features.
Chandler landscaping FAQs
Do I need a permit for a patio cover in Chandler?
Yes. Chandler requires a permit for patio covers. Open-air ramadas under 10 feet tall can be exempt if they stay at least 5 feet from property lines and cover no more than 30% of the rear yard. We'll tell you at the consultation which applies to your design.
Can I get Chandler's grass rebate if I install artificial turf?
No. Chandler's Grass to Xeriscape Rebate doesn't cover artificial turf or hardscape like pavers. It pays $1.50 per square foot, up to $2,000, for grass replaced with low-water-use plants covering at least 50% of the area. Many projects combine turf in one area with a rebate-eligible desert planting area in another.
Do I need HOA approval?
In most Chandler master-planned communities, yes, for significant landscape changes. We provide a detailed 3D design for your submission and revise it if your HOA asks for changes.
Do fire pits need a permit in Chandler?
Chandler's permit manual exempts fire pits, grills and outdoor fireplaces from its fireplace rules, but a gas line to one still needs a permit. We handle the gas permit through our licensed plumber.
How much does a landscape project cost in Chandler?
It depends on size, what's coming out and what's going in. The on-site consultation is free. After that, 3D designs are $279 and renderings $79, both credited toward your project. Outdoor kitchens start at $9,995, and our packages give set prices for common projects. Everything else is quoted after a site visit.
Our warranty
Paver installations carry a 10-year workmanship warranty. All other services carry a 3-year workmanship warranty, with manufacturer warranties on top.
Start your Chandler project
We're local. We'll come out, survey your yard, talk through what you want and what your HOA allows, and show you your new landscape in 3D before we build.
Also serving nearby Gilbert and Tempe.
Ready to start your Chandler project?
Free on-site consultation. Your 3D design ($279) comes after, credited toward your project.
Schedule a Consultation