How to Get the Smart Rebate (Lawn Removal)

What you get

Up to $1 per square foot of living lawn removed, up to $750 per property, for single-family and multi-family residences with 1-4 dwelling units. Dead grass and existing low-water landscapes are ineligible; not retroactive; new construction excluded. Requires pre-approval (Carpinteria Valley Water District, administered via CalWEP; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $1.00/sq ft, up to $750 (1-4 dwelling units)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Carpinteria Valley Water District customer
• Property located in: Carpinteria
• Carpinteria Valley Water District customer
• Existing living non-water-wise lawn (dead grass / low-water landscapes ineligible)
• Single-family or multi-family with 1-4 dwelling units
• Pre-approval before work; not retroactive

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Carpinteria Valley Water District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.