Fresno Water Expanded Lawn to Garden Rebate

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• At least 33% of the area in low-water or native plants.
• Mulch the converted area.
• All non-drip irrigation capped below grade; the converted area on drip with a pressure regulator and filter.
• Apply before starting; a landscape consultation by a City Water Conservation specialist comes first, requested through the Consultation Questionnaire in the WaterWeb Portal. Projects started before approval get nothing.
• Approval to begin must be received by December 31, 2026. The $4 per sq ft rate is a temporary, grant-funded increase (Department of Water Resources Urban Community Drought Relief grant), first come first served while funds remain, and approval does not guarantee the funds at completion.
• Up to 10,000 sq ft for residential; up to 100,000 sq ft for commercial, industrial and institutional; 200 sq ft minimum.
• Lawn must be in the front yard or visible to the public, and living or previously irrigated (a brown lawn qualifies with evidence of two years of watering). Keep it in place until approved.
• Property owner with metered City service; tenants may apply with the owner's Permission to Participate form. Account must be in good standing.
• Plants cover at least 33% of the area at maturity, low-water or California native with an ET factor of 0.60 or less, plus at least one tree 15 ft tall at maturity, existing or new.
• 3 to 4 inches of approved mulch on all exposed soil. Rock no more than 35% of the area, decomposed granite no more than 25%; concrete, impervious patios, decks and sheds are excluded from the rebated area.
• Artificial turf is not allowed. The conversion is intended to be permanent, and the City may use before and after photos.
• Questions: (559) 621-5480 or waterconservation@fresno.gov.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (Water Division)’s site and wait for approval. Lawn removed before approval usually does not qualify.
2. Remove the lawn and plant to the requirements above.
3. Send what the program page asks for once the work is done.