Rain gardens and stormwater projects · California

San Diego County Waterscape Rain-Saving Gardens Rebate

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

OpenLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$1.00 per sq ft of roof captured, up to $2,000; upgrades +$0.25/sq ft each (Volume, Full-Capture, up to $500 each); total up to $3,000
Maximum
$3,000 per household
Who qualifies
Unincorporated San Diego County residents.
Where
Residents of unincorporated San Diego County.
Status
Open. Confirm with staff given July-August 2026 notice.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Build a rain garden, dry creek or other vegetated or rock-covered basin that captures roof runoff and soaks it into the ground within 72 hours.

Requirements

  • No work before consultation and Notice to Proceed
  • At least 110 sq ft roof captured, piped or hosed directly to the garden
  • Garden at least 5 ft from structure walls and 50 ft from septic tanks/leach fields
  • Water must infiltrate within 72 hours (Soil Drainage Test)
  • Permeable landscape fabric only; no invasive plants; mulch kept on property
  • Overflow to non-eroding area under 5% slope, 5+ ft from structures
  • No runoff to neighbors; no erosion

How to apply

  1. 1Submit the Interest Form
  2. 2Consult with program staff
  3. 3Receive Notice to Proceed
  4. 4Build the garden
  5. 5Submit completion documentation for payment

Timing and deadlines

not published

not published

Combining it with other programs

Gutters, containers and 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 See something out of date?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

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