Santa Rosa Water Cash for Grass Rebate

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• At least 50% of the area in low-water or native plants.
• Existing sprinklers in the project area must be capped (valve removed and pipes capped, or every head cut and capped) for hand or no watering, or converted to drip through an all-in-one conversion kit or from the valve output, with a pressure regulator and filter either way. A new system is drip only, on a new valve with regulator and filter. Overhead spray stays off.
• Call Water-Use Efficiency at 707-543-3985 for pre-qualification and a possible site visit before any work; the Green Exchange Eligibility Form you receive starts a 240-day clock to finish. Lawn already removed at the pre-inspection gets nothing.
• The City water account must be in the applicant's name for that property; an owner who is not the account holder needs the account holder's written consent on the City's Tenant/Account Holder Permission Form.
• Lawn must be green, mowed, irrigated and cared for. It may not be reinstalled (nor any other thirsty planting, including gardens) while you hold the account or own the property, or the whole rebate is refunded.
• Sheet mulching is recommended over physical removal. Only permeable surfaces: mulch, rock, decomposed granite, small pavers. Not allowed: gorilla-hair, dyed or rubber mulch, solid plastic sheeting, artificial turf, concrete, mortared or glued surfaces including patios. Plastic landscape fabric is allowed but discouraged.
• Plants must be non-invasive low or very-low water use per WUCOLS, covering at least 50% of the project area at maturity (planted square footage over total project area); planting areas 6 feet wide or narrower are exempt from the coverage rule.
• When finished, and inside the 240 days, call 707-543-3985 for the post-inspection; staff verify the guidelines were followed and the rebate is processed in 4 to 8 weeks. Landscape professional lists and plant guides are at srcity.org/WaterSmartYard.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on City of Santa Rosa 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.