Lawn replacement · California

Marin Water Cash for Grass Lawn Replacement

Run by Marin Municipal Water District (Marin Water)

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Base $2.18 per sq ft; Best Practice $3.68 per sq ft; Rain Garden Bonus +$1 per sq ft on Best Practice projects while funds last (up to $4.68)
Maximum
$4,680 per household
Who qualifies
Marin Water residential customers with potable water accounts (not recycled or well water). One rebate per account; no minimum area; lawn must be clearly grass (dormant or recently dead OK, bare dirt not).
Where
Residential Marin Water customers in central and southern Marin (not North Marin Water District). Base rate shown; Best Practice projects earn $3.68 per sq ft.
Status
Open. Page says limited time offer with no end date; rain garden bonus while funds available.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Remove lawn (sod cut, or sheet mulch in place for the higher tier) and replace with low-water plants, mulch and drip.

Requirements

  • Cap 1,000 sq ft for homeowners (so up to about $4,680)
  • Not retroactive; apply before starting
  • Suspend irrigation to project area immediately
  • Existing sprinklers removed or heads capped
  • Base: low-water plants and drip irrigation; sod cutting allowed
  • Best Practice: sheet mulch in place, mostly California native low-water plants over at least 50% of area at maturity, plus alternative water source or stormwater feature (rain garden, cistern or graywater)
  • At least 3 in organic mulch; cardboard barrier recommended; inorganic landscape fabric disqualifies
  • No artificial turf or non-permeable hardscape
  • Pre-inspection including indoor and outdoor CAP survey; post-inspection
  • IRS W-9 for rebates of $2,000 or more

How to apply

  1. 1Suspend irrigation to the project area
  2. 2Submit the Cash for Grass application before starting
  3. 3Staff schedule a pre-inspection (typically 1-4 weeks) with indoor and outdoor water survey
  4. 4After approval complete the project within 180 days
  5. 5Email [email protected] or call (415) 945-1527 to schedule post-inspection
  6. 6Sign completed application at post-inspection; submit W-9 if needed
  7. 7Receive rebate check by mail

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot of lawn removed (base rate) and the $4,680 cap. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

Pre-inspection 1-4 weeks; 180 days to complete

180 days from approval

Combining it with other programs

Rain Barrel and Cistern rebate and graywater discount are separate programs

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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