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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

Up to $25,000 ($5/sq ft)

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.

Los AngelesPre-approval required

One of the most generous turf replacement programs in the country. Apply through SoCal Water$mart portal.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Waterscape Rebate Program

County of San Diego + SoCal Water$mart

Up to $5/sq ft with native plants

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.

San DiegoPre-approval required

Native plant bonus incentivizes using California-native species over non-native drought-tolerant alternatives.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Turf Replacement Program

IRWD + MWDOC + Metropolitan Water District

$3/sq ft (max 5,000 sq ft)

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.

IrvinePre-approval required

Program is run through MWDOC (Municipal Water District of Orange County). Fall planting recommended for best results.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

$2/sq ft base (stacks with local)

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.

San Diego, Irvine, Riverside, San BernardinoPre-approval required

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.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Central California

1 program available

Grass Conversion Rebate

City of Sacramento Utilities

Up to $3,000 ($1.50/sq ft)

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.

SacramentoPre-approval required

Sacramento allocates ~$1M annually for this program. Plant list expanded significantly in 2025 with 250+ new varieties.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

San Francisco Bay Area

4 programs available

Landscape Conversion Rebate

Santa Clara Valley Water

Up to $3,000 ($2/sq ft)

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.

San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, SaratogaPre-approval requiredThrough June 30, 2026

Valley Water serves San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and surrounding cities in Santa Clara County.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Lawn Conversion Rebate

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD)

Up to $2,000 ($1/sq ft)

$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.

Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, Albany, El CerritoPre-approval required

EBMUD serves Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding East Bay cities. Funding is limited and allocated first-come, first-served each fiscal year.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified May 2026

Landscape Conversion Rebate

Contra Costa Water District (CCWD)

Up to $2,000 ($1/sq ft)

$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.

Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Pittsburg, ClaytonPre-approval required

CCWD serves Concord, Walnut Creek, Martinez, and surrounding Contra Costa County cities. Verify current funding availability before applying.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified May 2026

Lawn Be Gone Rebate

Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA)

$2–4/sq ft

$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.

Daly City, Menlo Park, San Bruno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, HaywardPre-approval required

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.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified May 2026

Frequently asked questions

How much can I get back from California landscaping rebates?
Rebate amounts vary by location. Los Angeles offers up to $25,000 ($5/sq ft through LADWP + MWD). San Diego offers up to $5/sq ft with a native plant bonus. Sacramento provides $1.50/sq ft up to $3,000. Most Southern California programs stack local and regional rebates.
Can my HOA block me from replacing my lawn with native plants?
California law AB 1164 (Government Code Section 4735) prohibits HOAs from requiring homeowners to maintain water-intensive landscaping. This means HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant or native landscaping, though they may have guidelines about appearance and maintenance.
Do I need pre-approval before replacing my lawn?
Yes. Nearly all California rebate programs require pre-approval before you remove any turf. Apply first, receive approval, then start work. Removing turf before approval typically disqualifies you.
Is artificial turf eligible for rebates?
No. California turf replacement rebates require conversion to living, drought-tolerant or native landscaping. Artificial turf is not eligible for any of the major programs.
When is the best time to plant in California?
Fall (October–December) is the best planting season in most of California. Winter rains help establish root systems naturally, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during the first critical year.

Rebates in other states

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