Native plants and pollinator habitat · California

San Diego County Waterscape Native Plant Incentive

Run by County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (Waterscape Rebate Program)

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
extra $1 per sq ft of area planted with native plants, capped at 2,000 sq ft
Maximum
$2,000 per household
Who qualifies
Residential, multifamily or commercial property in unincorporated San Diego County that is doing an approved turf conversion through the Waterscape Rebate Program or SoCal WaterSmart.
Where
Unincorporated San Diego County properties doing an approved turf conversion.
Status
Open. Same July-August 2026 County notice as turf program may apply; confirm with staff.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Plant California native plants as part of an approved turf replacement project.

Requirements

  • 100% native plants in the area indicated; each species must be listed on Calscape.org
  • 3 native plants per 100 sq ft with 3-inch organic mulch
  • Artificial turf not permitted
  • Follow all requirements of the underlying turf rebate
  • Slopes over 3 ft high with 25% gradient or steeper: 70% plant coverage after three years, 10 ft minimum on-center spacing
  • Inquiry form must be submitted within 60 days of the turf Notice to Proceed
  • Do not start before approval to proceed

The plan or design it asks for

Site plan with designated native plant areas and square footage; plant spacing calculator available.

Make the plan in Sow

Draw the layout and build the plant list

Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check San Diego County's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Get your turf project application number and Notice to Proceed (SoCal WaterSmart or County)
  2. 2Submit the Native Plant Incentive application within 60 days of that Notice to Proceed with a site plan, 8 pre-project color photos, and your application number/NTP
  3. 3After planting, submit 8 post-project photos showing coverage and density plus receipts listing plant species and quantities
  4. 4Receive rebate after review

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot planted with native plants and the $2,000 cap. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

not published

Inquiry within 60 days of turf Notice to Proceed

Combining it with other programs

Added on top of turf replacement rebates

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

More programs near the same area

  • OpenPlan required

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