Water Conservation Rebate - Cash for GrassRev. 2/7/2023
CASH FOR GRASS – WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Water Conservation Program Manager:
WaterRebates@pismobeach.org
This program is subject to change without notice and is subject to the availability of funding.
Program Goal:
To encourage a permanent reduction in the amount of water used for landscaping – to save water.
Background:
It is estimated that 60% of the City’s water is used for irrigation, largely for turf areas. The City’s Cash for Grass Program
helps property owners convert water-thirsty grass to a water efficient landscape. The City will rebate water customers
based on the schedule below. Terms and conditions and frequently asked questions are also listed below.
Rebate Amount for Lawn Conversions
Rebate Amount Minimum Rebate Amount Maximum Rebate
Amount
$2 per ft² of
grass removed
$600 (300 ft² LOTS < 4,750 ft²)
$1,000 (500 ft² LOTS ≥ 4,750 ft²)
$10,000 (5,000 ft²)
*No more than 50% of the
total project cost
How to APPLY:
1.Fill out application: See last page of this document for application
2.E-mail, mail, or turn in application to a City representative.
<<<< Include a photo of your existing lawn to be converted >>>>>
Mail: Attn: Water Rebates, 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach CA 93449
E-mail: WaterRebates@pismobeach.org Phone: (805)773-4656
3.Pre-installation inspection of existing lawn: City Staff will contact you to schedule an inspection.
4.Make Approved Update: City Staff will give approval at pre-installation inspection.
5.Post-Installation Inspection: After conversions are 100% completed, call to schedule a post-installation
inspection site visit with City Representative to confirm all conversions have been in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the rebate. (PLEASE HAVE VALID, DATED SALES RECEIPT TO TURN IN TO THE INSPECTOR, IF
YOU HAVE ONE)
6.City Will Mail Rebate Check: Once your post-installation inspection has passed, the City Representative will
contact the City’s Finance Department to mail a check to the address on the application. Please allow 30 days
from post-installation inspection to receive the rebate.
NOTE: The City of Pismo Beach does not warrant or assume any liability for the design, manufacture, installation or
operation of any item obtained under this program.
Rev. 2/7/2023
Terms and Conditions:
As indicated above, the rebate for removal is based on square footage of turf removed. Under this program, turf must be replaced with drought
tolerant plants and/or mulch (see websites below under “Frequently Asked Questions” for recommended indigenous and drought tolerant plants in
our area) and sprinklers must be replaced with drip irrigation. At the end of your project, there shall be no exposed soil. Rebates are “first come,
first served”. The number of rebates are limited based upon program budget. Only one rebate will be issued per household address. The City of
Pismo Beach reserves the right to terminate this program at any time, for any reason. Please read on for complete terms of the program.
1. Areas to be converted must receive their water from the City of Pismo Beach.
2. Only one rebate will be issued per household.
3. The applicant’s utility account must be in good standing.
4. Areas to be converted must be maintained lawn at a single-family or multi-family residence with a dedicated irritation
system. Dead lawns will not be eligible for a rebate.
5. At least 300 square feet of lawn must be converted for lots under 4,750 square feet. At least 500 square feet of lawn must
be converted for lots 4,750 square feet or larger.
6. The maximum rebate issued shall be no more than $10,000. The rebate shall not exceed 50% of total project cost.
7. The watering system to be installed, if any, must be an automatic low volume drip irrigation system equipped with a
pressure regulator, filter, and emitters. The system must be free of leaks and malfunctions. Each drip emitter must be rated
at less than twenty (20) gallons per hour (gph). If part of a lawn is converted, the sprinkler system must be properly
modified to provide adequate coverage to the remaining lawn without spraying the converted area (narrow lawn areas
often waste water and should be avoided). Planting drought tolerant plants in a converted area requires the installation of a
low volume drip irrigation system with a pressure regulator, filter and emitters.
8. The converted area must be completely covered by a 2-3” layer of mulch permeable to both air and water. Common
mulching materials include rock, bark, wood chips, un-grouted flagstone or pavers and artificial turf manufactured to be
permeable. Living groundcovers qualify as mulch provided the individual plants are installed at sufficient density to assure
one hundred percent (100%) plant cover. If a weed barrier is used beneath the mulch, it must be manufactured to be
permeable to both air and water. If artificial turf is to be used in any part of the conversion, artificial turf must be installed
by a licensed contractor. Product installed must be permeable to water and air and must be non-flammable. Only
polyethylene and nylon artificial turf products eligible for rebate – patio carpet and/or Astroturf are ineligible. Product
installed must have a minimum five (5) year manufacturer warranty. Artificial turf must not encroach upon living
plants/trees and must end at least three inches (3”) from the base of any plant/tree.
9. The Cash for Grass Rebate Application must be submitted to the City of Pismo Beach and the applicant must participate in a
pre-conversion site review conducted by the City prior to the removal of any lawn. Conversions that are initiated without
the City’s approval are ineligible.
10. Conversions must be completed within six (6) months following receipt of the City’s executed agreement. Once the City
receives notice of conversion project completion, any wait time for the City’s final inspection shall not be counted against
this six-month period of time. The converted area must remain in compliance with all program terms and conditions for a
period of five (5) years following receipt of the rebate. An applicant may be required to refund the entire rebate, or a
portion thereof, if rebate program terms and conditions are violated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this requirement is
void upon transfer of ownership.
11. Rebate payments will be issued only to the property owner of record or to that property owner’s legally appointed
representative and, assuming program compliance, will be issued within thirty (30) to sixty (60) days following the City’s
final inspection.
12. Once the City is notified of a conversion project’s completion, the City will conduct an inspection to verify program
compliance. If the conversion fails inspection, the applicant will be permitted to bring the conversion project into
compliance with the program terms and conditions for a period of sixty (60) days or the remainder of the six-month period,
whichever is greater.
13. The City enforces only the terms and conditions of this agreement. The applicant is solely responsible for complying with
any and all laws, regulations, policies, conditions, covenants and restrictions that may apply and for any and all liabilities
arising out of a conversion project. Applicants are encouraged to consult any applicable covenants, conditions and
Rev. 2/7/2023
restrictions (”CC&Rs”) or neighborhood Homeowner’s Association (“HOA”) regulations that may apply to an anticipated
conversion project prior to submitting an application with the City. Applicants must also comply with all state and local laws
relating to landscape maintenance. The quality, maintenance and appearance of the conversion are the exclusive
responsibility of the applicant. Rebates may be considered taxable income.
14. Upon completion and continuing for the term of the agreement, converted areas must contain enough plants to create at
least fifty percent (50%) living plant cover when the plants are fully grown. Applications are available at City Hall (760
Mattie Road) or online at www.thinkh2onow.com .
15. Applications will only be accepted in-person, by mail, or e-mail. Applications should be turned in or mailed to: CITY OF
PISMO BEACH, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ATTN: WATER REBATES, 760 MATTIE ROAD, PISMO BEACH, CA, 93449
Email: WaterRebates@PismoBeach,org
For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at 805-773-4656.
The number of rebates is limited. Only one rebate will be issued per household. For questions about this rebate program, please
contact the Public Works Department at 805-773-4656.
NOTE: The City of Pismo Beach does not warrant or assume any liability for the design, manufacture, installation or operation of any
automatic valve obtained under this program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What plants can I use in my water-efficient landscape? The Cash for Grass Rebate Program does not require particular
plants, only that when fully mature, the plants cover at least fifty percent (50%) of the converted area. An applicant can use
any plants to meet this requirement, but the City highly encourages the use of drought tolerant and native species. An
applicant should also consider keeping any existing trees since they provide shade to one’s home and landscape. Several
websites provide excellent landscaping options:
a. www.CaliforniaNativePlants.com
b. www.slocounty.ca.gov/Assets/PL/environmental/Approved+Plants+(Excel+Format).xls
c. www.slocounty.ca.gov/Assets/PL/environmental/County+Plants+to+Avoid+(Excel).xls)
d. http://www.slowaterwiselandscaping.com/
2. Can I receive credit for replacing my lawn with artificial turf? The latest generation of synthetic turf is a grass-like surface
covering that replicates lush natural grass in appearance and function. The City will accept artificial turf (as outlined and
defined in the program’s terms and conditions) as a substitute for irrigated lawn. Any artificial turf must be permeable
(allowing both air and water to pass through freely) and must meet all other program terms and conditions including, but
not limited to, compliance with installation standards.
3. Can I receive credit for putting in a patio, a walkway or an extension to my driveway? Yes. If the applicant will be removing
turf to install a patio, a walkway or a driveway extension, the City will allow credit if a permeable product is used.
Permeable products include pervious pavement, gravel, or brick or flagstone with permeable, mortarless materials for gout
lines (such as sand and gravel). All of these options reduce the amount of water runoff by allowing water to pass through
the surface and be absorbed into the soil beneath. Keep in mind that the conversion area must still meet the fifty percent
(50%) living plant coverage requirement.
4. I turned off the water on my grass and it has started to die. Can I still qualify for the program? No. Since the purpose of the
program is to reduce existing water demand, an applicant must be currently maintaining a grass lawn. Once an applicant
has sent in the application and has had a pre-conversation site review with a representative from the City, the applicant
may stop watering the lawn. A City of Pismo Beach representative must validate the turf areas before an applicant starts
the conversion project.
5. Can I receive credit for replacing my high water use grass with a low water use grass? No. This program provides incentive
to convert grass to alternative types of landscaping, including trees, shrubs and groundcovers. These use less water than
even the lowest water use grass. However, the City does encourage homeowners to use low water use grass in those areas
where grass is needed or desired outside of this program.
Rev. 2/7/2023
6.If I have children and/or dogs, how do I incorporate water efficient landscaping into my yard? An applicant does not have to
eliminate all of its lawn area to participate. Some conversion projects simply involve reducing the amount of lawn area or
creating a buffer area around the edge of an existing lawn.
7.What if my Homeowner’s Association or CC&Rs require me to keep grass in my yard? To avoid problems, an applicant must
be sure to follow all applicable Homeowner’s Association conditions, covenants and rules (CC&Rs) that may apply to any
anticipated landscaping project.
8.What is mulch and why is it required? The most common types of mulch are decorative rock, bark or wood. Mulch helps
maintain the moisture level. Wood and bark mulches help retain the temperature of the soil. Without mulch, wind and heat
pull the moisture out of the soil and more water is then needed to keep plants healthy. Also, the temperature of the soil
constantly fluctuates causing stress to plants. Additional benefits include the reduction of weed growth, erosion and certain
insect diseases. A minimum of 2-3” layer of mulch is required.
9.Do I get credit for removing my high water use plants? No. The City’s Cash for Grass Program focuses solely on the removal
of turf grass. However, most shrub beds may be watered more effectively by converting the irrigation system to a drip
irrigation system.
10.I have many plants surrounding the grass that I’m removing. Will these plants count toward the 50 percent (50%) coverage
requirement? No. The City only counts those plants that are either currently planted in the grass area or those that are
added to the area where the grass is to be removed and converted.
11.Why does the City require plants? This program encourages the use of water efficient landscaping, and the City wants that
landscaping to be attractive in order to encourage others to do the same. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers provide shade,
absorb carbon dioxide, supply oxygen, reduce soil erosion, give wildlife a home, decrease energy use, reduce stormwater
runoff and save water.
12.Do plants have to cover fifty percent (50%) of the conversion area when you come and inspect my landscape? An applicant
can choose plants at any size. Planting smaller plants (1 gallon) are less expensive and have a tendency to adapt better to
their environment. The City uses the full mature value of the plant type to determine plant coverage.
13.I don’t like the desert look - what are my options? Once established, water efficient landscaping can be much more than
rocks and cactus. There are hundreds of plants that need little, if any, irrigation. With proper design and plant selection, an
applicant can accomplish almost any look or feel and still save water. See Question No. 1 above for websites that provide
information on drought tolerant and native plants indigenous to our area.
14.Do I have to use a weed barrier? No. Weed barriers are generally recommended in areas that have a particular weed
problem (i.e. areas where Bermuda grass is being removed or under permeable surfaces such as patios and walkways
where plants will not be grown). If a weed barrier is used, the City requires that it be permeable allowing both water and air
to penetrate.
15.Why do I need a filter and pressure regulator? The emitters on a drip irrigation system have very small openings for the
water to pass through. A filter prevents sediment from clogging emitters, ensuring that plants will get the correct amount of
water. A pressure regulator keeps the irrigation system at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (usually between 20
and 40 pounds per square inch). Not installing a pressure regulator may cause fittings and lines to fail, creating wasteful
breaks and leaks in your system.
16.What is considered to be an efficient irrigation system? The installation of an efficient irrigation system begins with good
design. A low volume drip system is a proper choice for trees, plants and shrubs applying water directly to the roots. For
turf areas, systems must apply water uniformly over the desired area with a minimum of overspray into adjacent areas.
There are sprinkler heads on the market today that offer low precipitation rates (such as rotating spray heads) that save
water and allow the soil to absorb the applied water minimizing any runoff. The City recommends installing a smart
irrigation timer that (after proper programming) automatically adjusts itself to provide the right amount of water to your
landscape. Contact the City at (805) 773-4656 for information about irrigation controller and sensor rebates.
Rev. 2/7/2023
CASH FOR GRASS – WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Please carefully read all the terms and conditions before filling out this application.
Date: How did you hear about this program?
Customer Name:
(As you would like it to appear on the check; please print clearly)
Customer Address:
Installation Address:
(If different from above)
Phone #:
Email Address:
Preferred way to contact you? Email____
Estimated square footage of turf to be removed:
Phone ____
Total square footage of existing lot:
Location of turf to be removed (i.e. front yard, backyard, side yard, combination):
What is your connection to the property where the turf is being replaced: ___Property Owner
___Tenant
Water Account Number:
(This information may be obtained from a previous water bill)
By signing below, you indicate that you have read and complied with the requirements of the Cash for Grass Rebate Program as
outlined above. You must call for an inspection: (805) 773-4656.
Authorized Signature Date
CITY USE ONLY
Date Received:
Turf Measured:
Pre-Inspection Date:
Post-Inspection Date:
Approved / Signature: