How to Get the Lawn Removal Rebate

What you get

Rebate of $1.00 per square foot of lawn removed, up to a maximum of 2,500 square feet per qualifying property. Minimum 250 sq ft removed; pre-qualification and a pre-inspection are required before removing any lawn; drip irrigation is required if the area is irrigated (no overhead spray); a 15-year recorded deed restriction against reinstalling lawn applies; complete within 120 days (Monterey Peninsula Water Management District; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $1.00 per sq ft, up to 2,500 sq ft

Are you eligible?

• Be a Monterey Peninsula Water Management District customer
• Property located in: Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks, Sand City
• Property in the MPWMD service area
• Minimum 250 sq ft of lawn removed
• Pre-qualification and pre-inspection before removing any lawn
• Drip irrigation required if the area is irrigated (no overhead spray)
• 15-year recorded deed restriction against reinstalling lawn
• Complete within 120 days

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 Monterey Peninsula Water Management 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.