How to Get the Lawn Conversion Rebate Program

What you get

Pays $0.75 per square foot for front yards and areas visible to the public, $0.50 per square foot for backyards, plus an additional $0.25 per square foot for sheet mulching, with a 300 square foot minimum (City of Hayward; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $0.75/sq ft front, $0.50/sq ft back, +$0.25/sq ft sheet-mulch (min 300 sq ft)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Hayward customer
• Property located in: Hayward
• City of Hayward water customer
• Minimum 300 sq ft converted

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 City of Hayward 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.