Cash for Grass

Project Requirements​​

Grass conversion projects must include:

• Drought resistant landscaping that is low to medium water-use and non-invasive (such as native trees, shrubs, succulents, and groundcover.);
• At least 50 percent plant coverage after plants mature;
• A drip irrigation system with a pressure regulator rated between 20 and 40 psi, a filter, and emitters rated at less than 2.5 gallons per hour or no irrigation system if the customer waters by hand; and 
• If the project includes artificial turf, then it must be installed by a licensed contractor.

​What's not eligible:

• Projects that have already been completed;
• Lawns with bare earth areas, with no sign of grass;
• Projects that are less than 200 square feet in size; and
• Impervious areas such as concrete, asphalt, and brick and mortar​​.
  

Reference Documents

• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Measure Your Project Area
• How to Take your Project Photographs
• Payee Data Form
• Plant Coverage Worksheet
• Plant List (not a complete list)
• Design Resources

How to A​​p​ply​

*Important: To be eligible for a rebate, customers must receive approval from SCWA staff on all projects before beginning*

​In order to qualify:

• You must be the current property owner of record of a single family residence or industrial/commercial property, or his or her authorized representative and your utility accounts must be in good standing; and 
• You must have grass (dead or alive) intact when you apply for the rebate. Grass that has already been removed is not eligible.

Cash for Grass Program steps:

Register​ ​Now​

1. ​Register​ for the program.
   
2. Applicants will receive an auto-generated email that contains the application package and further instructions.
3. Read, sign and complete all sections of the application document.
4. Provide a sketch of the project conversion area along with measurements.
5. Complete the Payee Data Record form (Note: this is not a W-9 and is actually a separate document).
6. Email SCWARebate@saccounty.gov​ or mail the completed documents to:
   Sacramento County Water Agency
   10151 Florin Road
   Sacramento, CA 95829
   Attn: Cash for Grass Program
7. Email three current digital photos of the project area to SCWARebate@saccounty.gov.
   a: These photos must have been taken within the last 30 days and must show the area where your lawn will be removed.
   b: Be sure to include your address in the subject line and your name in the body of the email (see How to Take Your Project Photographs).
8. Start the project after receiving your approval email from an assigned inspector. 

​​​What to do on project completion:

1. Contact your inspector when finished with your project.
2. Provide the completed Plant Coverage Worksheet upon project completion at time of inspection.
   

3. Subject to available funding, a rebate will be issued within 8 – 10 weeks after project inspection approval if all terms and conditions have been met. ​​

Questions? 

Please call (916) 874-6851 during business hours or email us at SCWARebate@saccounty.gov for additional question​s.