Benicia Water Water-Efficient Landscape Rebate Program

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• At least 50% of the area in low-water or native plants.
• Planting density: 3 plants per 100 sq ft.
• Mulch the converted area.
• convert overhead spray to low-volume / drip; 50% of converted area must be low-water-use, drought-tolerant or CA native plants at maturity; minimum 3 inches of mulch; artificial/synthetic turf NOT eligible
• Apply and receive a Notice to Proceed before starting; finish within 120 days of its date, or ask SCWA for an extension.
• $1.50 per sq ft. Homes: up to $1,500 (1,000 sq ft) per water account for the lifetime of the site. Commercial, industrial and institutional accounts: up to $7,500 (5,000 sq ft), one rebate per site.
• The new landscape must meet Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines: native or non-invasive plants, habitat, minimal inputs; artificial turf does not qualify.
• First come, first served while funds last; never guaranteed. Receipts are not submitted but should be kept; a W-9 is requested for rebates of $2,000 or more. The check follows the post-inspection and final approval.
• Apply by email (solanocash4grass@scwa2.com), fax or mail on the Agency's form; staff take five to ten business days, then schedule the pre-inspection. You may be approved onto a wait list until funds free up. Phone 707-455-1113.
• At least 300 sq ft; the lawn well kept and at least 50% green; the water account active 12 months or more; one rebate ever per address; renters need the landlord's written permission; Cal Water customers are not eligible.
• At least 3 plants per 100 sq ft, in the ground, rated very low, low or moderate water use in WUCOLS; the whole area covered with 3 inches of mulch, pavers or rock, no bare dirt, no rubber mulch, only biodegradable weed barrier; sprinklers capped, removed or converted to drip.
• Finish within 120 days of approval and complete the digital post-inspection on the website or schedule a visit; extensions on request.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on City of Benicia 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.