How to Get a Landscape Rebate

There are currently two landscape rebate programs available to Santa Monica residents.

Cash for Grass - This popular program will help you get rid of that water hogging lawn and replace it with a beautiful new California inspired garden. The rebate is is available for all single-family, multi-family and commercial properties. It is the Santa Monica way!

Spray to Drip - This rebate program supports replacement of operational sprinklers in planter beds and hedges with highly efficient drip irrigation that delivers water directly to plants. Save water, simplify your irrigation, and enjoy extra money in your pocket. This rebate does not apply to existing lawn areas.

Follow the steps below to apply for a landscape rebate.

Select a rebate program
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Determine if you would like to apply for the Cash for Grass and/or Spray to Drip program(s) by reviewing the program guides, paying special attention to the eligibility, conditions, and requirements of each.
- Cash for Grass
- Spray to Drip
Submit an application
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After you determine your eligibility by reviewing the requirements in the program guide, submit your application for a landscape rebate by selecting the appropriate program below.
- Cash for Grass
- Spray to Drip
Receive approval
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Your application will be reviewed to ensure your property qualifies for a rebate. You will then receive an email confirming your project approval with an Installation Checklist form to guide and assist with the installation and approval process.
Prepare
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It is important to make a plan for your project to ensure success. Please see the project guides in Step 1 for preparation tips and assistance.
Schedule an inspection
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Once you have completed your project, submit your completed Cash for Grass Installation Checklist or Spray to Drip Installation Checklist and Form W-9 by email to savewater@santamonica.gov and request an inspection.
Receive your rebate and display your sign!
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Upon passing inspection, please allow up to 8 weeks for your rebate check to be processed and mailed. Be sure to ask us for your “We (heart) Santa Monica” sign to let your neighbors know you are saving water!

To receive and complete a paper application in-person, please call (310) 458-8972.

FAQ

What are the requirements for the Cash for Grass rebate program?

To qualify and receive a rebate in the Cash for Grass Rebate Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

The property must receive water utility service from the City of Santa Monica.
The area for conversion must have living cool or warm season turf grass at the time the application is submitted.
Projects installed as part of new construction, new development, or major remodels are NOT eligible for the rebate.
Properties that previously received a Cash for Grass Rebate for the project area may not be eligible.
The property owner has signed the application form for the project.
Rebate application was properly submitted by email to savewater@santamonica.gov.
In compliance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a completed Form W-9 is required. The customer receiving the rebate check must be the same person or business required to submit the Tax Identification Number (TIN) on the completed Form W-9.
All projects must be complete and a receive final inspection approval prior to issuance of a rebate.
The rebate check will be issued to the property owner unless prior written permission has been provided by the property owner. The property owner can have the rebate check issued to a tenant, or other designated person.
Rebate project must be maintained as a climate-appropriate landscape for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the final inspection.

For a comprehensive list of requirements, please reference the program guide.

What are the requirements for the Spray to Drip rebate program?

To qualify and receive a rebate in the Spray to Drip Rebate Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

The property must receive water utility service from the City of Santa Monica.
“Spray to Drip” rebates cannot be combined with the “Cash for Grass” rebate for the same converted area.
Separate applications will be required for each individual rebate for different areas.
The area for conversion must have working sprinkler systems at the time the application is submitted.
Pre-verification photos of an operational sprinkler system must be submitted.
Projects installed as part of new construction, new development, or major remodels are NOT eligible for the rebate.
Projects cannot be used to irrigate lawn. Check out the Cash for Grass rebate program to replace turf grass with climate appropriate plants and mulch.
The application form for the project must be submitted by the property owner or, if submitted by a tenant or property manager, the project must be authorized in writing by the property owner.
In compliance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a completed Form W-9 is required. The customer receiving the rebate check must be the same person or business required to submit the Tax Identification Number (TIN) on the completed Form W-9.
The rebate check will be issued to the property owner unless prior written permission has been provided by the property owner to have the check issued to a tenant or other designated person.
All projects must be complete and a receive final inspection approval prior to issuance of a rebate.
Rebate project must be maintained as a drip irrigation system for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the final inspection.

For a comprehensive list of requirements, please reference the program guide.

Jump to Section:

Continue the Process:

Select a rebate program

Submit an application

Receive approval

Prepare

Schedule an inspection

Receive your rebate and display your sign!