California Rebates
California Native Landscaping Rebates
California cities and water agencies offer some of the most generous turf replacement rebates in the country. From $25,000 in Los Angeles to $3,000 in Sacramento, here's every program we've found with requirements, application links, and tips.
Last updated: May 2026 · 10 programs tracked
Region guides: SoCal Water$mart (Southern California) covers LA, San Diego, Irvine, Riverside, San Bernardino. Santa Clara Valley Water covers San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale.
10
Programs tracked
$25K
Max residential (LA)
3
Regions covered
May 2026
Last verified
The quick version
- California offers some of the most generous turf replacement rebates in the country: up to $25,000 in Los Angeles.
- Most programs stack local rebates with Metropolitan Water District base rebates for higher totals.
- California law (AB 1164) prohibits HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Pre-approval is required before removing turf. Apply first, then start work.
- San Diego offers a $1/sq ft bonus specifically for choosing California-native plants.
Southern California
4 programs available
Turf Replacement Rebate
LADWP + Metropolitan Water District
Combines LADWP ($3/sq ft) and Metropolitan Water District ($2/sq ft) rebates for removing turf and replacing with California-friendly or native plants. Additional $100/tree rebate (up to 5 trees). Maximum 5,000 sq ft residential.
One of the most generous turf replacement programs in the country. Apply through SoCal Water$mart portal.
Waterscape Rebate Program
County of San Diego + SoCal Water$mart
Base rate of $4/sq ft for residential turf replacement, plus an additional $1/sq ft bonus (up to $2,000) when choosing California native plants. Up to $5/sq ft for removing grass near pavement.
Native plant bonus incentivizes using California-native species over non-native drought-tolerant alternatives.
Turf Replacement Program
IRWD + MWDOC + Metropolitan Water District
Rebate of $3 per square foot for turf removal, with a 250 sq ft minimum and 5,000 sq ft maximum. Additional $100/tree rebate (up to 5 trees). Free landscape design assistance available for participants.
Program is run through MWDOC (Municipal Water District of Orange County). Fall planting recommended for best results.
SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Base rebate of $2/sq ft for residential projects up to 5,000 sq ft, plus $100/tree (max 5 trees). Stacks with local water agency rebates. Apply through the SoCal Water$mart portal. LADWP customers in Los Angeles already receive the MWD base rebate bundled into their LADWP program — see the LADWP entry.
Regional base rebate for MWD member agencies outside Los Angeles. LA city customers should apply through LADWP, which already includes the MWD $2/sq ft base.
Central California
1 program available
Grass Conversion Rebate
City of Sacramento Utilities
Rebate of $1.50 per square foot for replacing grass with drought-tolerant or native plants. Preferred plant list includes 830+ varieties with 300+ California natives. Must include drip irrigation with WaterSense smart controller.
Sacramento allocates ~$1M annually for this program. Plant list expanded significantly in 2025 with 250+ new varieties.
San Francisco Bay Area
4 programs available
Landscape Conversion Rebate
Santa Clara Valley Water
Rebate of $2 per square foot for converting approved high-water lawns and pools to low-water landscapes. Funding available through June 30, 2026 or until depleted. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Valley Water serves San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and surrounding cities in Santa Clara County.
Lawn Conversion Rebate
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)
$1 per square foot for replacing lawn with low-water or native landscaping. Residential cap of $2,000. Minimum 200 sq ft conversion. Pre-approval required before removing turf.
EBMUD serves Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding East Bay cities. Funding is limited and allocated first-come, first-served each fiscal year.
Landscape Conversion Rebate
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD)
$1 per square foot for replacing lawn with low-water or drought-tolerant landscaping. Residential cap of $2,000. Pre-approval required before removing turf. CCWD serves central and eastern Contra Costa County.
CCWD serves Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, and surrounding Contra Costa County cities. Verify current funding availability before applying.
Lawn Be Gone Rebate
Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA)
$2–4 per square foot for removing lawn and replacing with low-water or native landscaping. Rate varies by member agency. BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone program is offered through Bay Area retail water agencies including Daly City, Menlo Park, San Bruno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, and Hayward. Some cities may offer the program at the higher end of the range for California-native plants.
Availability and rate vary by member agency — verify with your specific water provider. Cities in Santa Clara County (Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto) may also qualify for Santa Clara Valley Water rebates. Apply to both programs if eligible.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I get back from California landscaping rebates?
Can my HOA block me from replacing my lawn with native plants?
Do I need pre-approval before replacing my lawn?
Is artificial turf eligible for rebates?
When is the best time to plant in California?
Rebates in other states
Get started
Plan a native yard with Pollinator Patch.
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-friendly layout, and generate documentation that supports rebate applications.
