San Jose Water Landscape Conversion Rebate

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• At least 50% of the area in low-water or native plants.
• Mulch the converted area.
• Overhead irrigation in the converted area capped or removed; any irrigation there is low-volume drip, micro-spray or bubbler with no runoff or overspray, on its own valve from any remaining lawn. No artificial turf.
• Apply and receive a written Notice to Proceed before any work or purchase; started or finished projects do not qualify. Requirements updated July 15, 2025.
• The lawn (green, yellow or brown, but intact and mowed) or a filled pool must be on site at the pre-inspection; at least 75 sq ft converted. Bare dirt and weedy areas do not count.
• The rebate is figured on the square feet converted; costs are not considered and receipts are not requested. Any lawn left visible at the final inspection is not rebated.
• At least 50% living plant cover at maturity from Valley Water's qualifying plant list, planted in the ground, with an itemized plant list submitted for approval and a final list at the end.
• At least 2 inches of qualifying mulch everywhere, no bare dirt; no rubber mulch, no plastic or non-biodegradable weed barrier.
• Permeable pavers, flagstone, gravel or decomposed granite may cover no more than 50% of the area; grouted, mortared, sealed or impervious surfaces and structures are subtracted or disqualify the area.
• Keep the converted landscape and irrigation for at least five years or the rebate may be refunded.
• Not eligible for areas already funded by another Valley Water program, or already rebated by Cal Water for the same project.
• Finish within 90 days of the Notice to Proceed; the check comes 4 to 6 weeks after the final inspection.
• Owners only, or renters with the owner's written consent. New construction does not qualify.
• For rebates of $2,000 or more, Valley Water asks for a signed W-9 and mails a 1099; it says such rebates may count as taxable income.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on San Jose Water’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.