Ventura Water Water Wi$e Turf Removal Incentive

Requirements

• Apply and get approval before removing any lawn.
• Replant with low-water or native plants.
• Mulch the converted area.
• Replace turf with low-water plants, permeable mulch, crushed rock, sand or decomposed granite; the rebate also covers an updated irrigation system, rain capture and a design professional. No synthetic or artificial turf.
• Apply before starting, online through the customer portal or on paper with the signed terms and a recent water bill; work starts only after a Notice to Proceed from the program administrator (WaterWise Consulting), valid 120 days with up to 45 more on request.
• $2.50 per sq ft: homes up to 1,600 sq ft ($4,000); commercial and multifamily common areas up to 3,200 sq ft ($8,000).
• At least 200 sq ft of turf, unless the project removes all turf and irrigation on the property or converts the parkway strip.
• One application per address or account; apply for the full area you plan to convert. Renters and residents of an HOA or mobile home park apply for the single-family rebate with the account holder's or owner's prior approval.
• A simple sketch of the turf area and the new landscape is required before payment.
• A signed IRS W-9 is required for incentives of $600 or more; the rebate may be taxable income.
• Post-installation photos and documents, then a check within about 10 weeks; the City may visit the site to verify the area and irrigation.
• Rebate amounts lock in at approval; later increases do not apply.

Steps, in order

1. Apply on Ventura Water (City of Ventura)’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.