EBMUD Lawn Conversion Rebate: $1–$2/Sq Ft for Oakland, Berkeley, and East Bay

How to Apply

1. 1

   Submit the pre-approval application at ebmud.com before removing any lawn

   Go to ebmud.com and navigate to the Lawn Conversion Rebate application (or apply directly at form.jotform.com/ebmud/landscape-rebate-program). Include your EBMUD account number, the planned square footage, and photos of the existing lawn. Specify whether you are pursuing the standard rebate or the Super Rebate. Do not remove any lawn before you receive written approval.

   You'll need:

   • EBMUD account number
   • Property address
   • Photos of existing lawn
   • Planned square footage
   • Proposed plant list (and whether you are targeting the Super Rebate)

   EBMUD Lawn Conversion Rebate application
2. 2

   Receive written approval and complete the conversion within 9 months

   EBMUD will review your application and issue written approval. Once approved, remove the lawn and install the climate-appropriate, low-water landscaping per your plan. If pursuing the Super Rebate, apply sheet mulch with compost during the conversion, use California native plants for at least 50% of coverage, and complete during September through February. Complete within 9 months of the approval date.

   You'll need:

   • Written approval from EBMUD
   • Before-and-after photographs of the project area
   • Plant and material receipts
   • Compost receipts if pursuing the Super Rebate
3. 3

   Submit completion documentation and receive your rebate

   After completing the project, submit the post-completion photos, measured square footage, and receipts to EBMUD. EBMUD will verify the project meets the requirements (standard or Super Rebate) and process the rebate payment — $1/sq ft standard or $2/sq ft Super Rebate, up to $2,000.

EBMUD Lawn Conversion Rebate Program: $1/sq ft standard, $2/sq ft Super Rebate

EBMUD pays $1 per square foot for residential customers who remove lawn and replace it with climate-appropriate, low-water plants. At least 50% of the converted area must be covered by living plants at maturity. Artificial turf, rock without plants, and impervious paving do not qualify alone. Projects must receive written pre-approval from EBMUD before any lawn removal begins, and must be completed within 9 months of approval. The program is capped at $2,000 per EBMUD account per 24-month period.

• Active EBMUD residential account at the project address
• Apply and receive written pre-approval before removing any lawn
• At least 50% living plant coverage at maturity using climate-appropriate, low-water plants
• Artificial turf, rock, and impervious paving do not satisfy the plant coverage requirement alone
• Complete within 9 months of written approval
• Maximum $2,000 per EBMUD account per 24-month period

Super Rebate: $2/Sq Ft for California Natives + Sheet Mulching: $2/sq ft

To qualify for the $2/sq ft Super Rebate rate, a project must meet three additional requirements on top of the standard program: (1) sheet mulching with compost during the conversion, (2) planting during the cool season from September through February, and (3) at least 50% of the plant coverage must be California native species. Projects that meet all three conditions automatically receive the $2/sq ft rate instead of $1/sq ft. The $2,000 maximum still applies — a 1,000 square foot project at $2/sq ft would reach the cap. EBMUD recommends the Super Rebate approach for water savings and ecological benefit.