How to Get the Sustainable Lawn Replacement Rebate

What you get

Standard lawn replacement pays $2 per square foot, up to $1,500 for properties of 1 to 4 units. Projects that build a rain garden retention area earn a combined $5 per square foot, capped at $5,000 per residential property. Requires converting spray sprinklers to drip (or removing them), at least 3 water-wise plants per 100 sq ft, and 3 inches of mulch (City of Santa Barbara Water Conservation, last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $2/sq ft (up to $1,500); $5/sq ft combined with a rain garden (up to $5,000)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Santa Barbara Water Conservation Program customer
• Property located in: Santa Barbara
• Lawn must be living or recently irrigated
• Convert spray sprinklers to drip or remove them
• At least 3 water-wise plants per 100 sq ft, 3 inches of mulch
• Application appointment and pre-approval before starting; 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 City of Santa Barbara Water Conservation Program 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.