Glendale Water & Power in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is now offering a $2.00 per square foot for commercial sites and $3.00 per square foot rebate when you replace up to 50,000 square feet of grass with California Friendly® and native landscaping.

Don’t let your turf dry out, now is the perfect time to replace it with beautiful, drought-tolerant landscaping that enhances your property’s appeal while conserving water.

This Commercial Turf Replacement Program combines non-functional turf removal, irrigation modification, and rainwater retention or filtration to promote sustainable water use.

Please note: Synthetic turf is not an approved conversion option.

*Rebate amounts are subject to change at any time and are based on availability at the time of application approval.

• Three drought-tolerant plants per 100 square feet of transformed area

• A stormwater retention feature

• Permeable hardscape only (no non-permeable surfaces)

• Replacement or modification of overhead spray sprinklers

• Optional tree rebate for additional shade and sustainability

Follow these steps to get the Turf Replacement rebate

1. Plan Your Project – Assess your project area, take measurements, and design your sustainable landscape

2. Get project pre-approval - Reserve your rebate at SoCalWater$mart. Submit least five pictures, the first page of your GWP bill, project measurements, and your landscape plan. Obtain pre-approval before starting your project or removing any grass.

3. Start your project - After pre-approval, start your project yourself or with the help of contractor. You must complete the project within six months.

4. Submit and claim your rebate – Submit photos of your completed project at SoCalWater$mart to complete your rebate application.

To qualify, Glendale customers must meet the requirements below:

• Residents must follow regulations set forth in Glendale’s Zoning Ordinance. Landscaping requirements can be found in Chapter 30.31 – Landscaping. For questions about zoning call the Glendale Planning Division at 818-548-2140.

• You must obtain a permit from the City of Glendale’s Public Works department to install any living or non-living plant materials over 12 inches in height in parkways. Non-living materials over 18 inches in height are not allowed in parkways. Parkway requirements can be found in Chapter 12.48 – Parkway Landscaping of the City of Glendale’s Municipal Code. To obtain a permit, contact Public Works at 818-548-3945.

Are you a Public Agency who would like to participate in the Turf Replacement Program?

Click here to learn more about the Public Agency Turf Replacement and Project Assistance Program. 

Program Updates:

Starting January 2027, non-residential properties across California including schools, parks, homeowner associations, and office complexes will be prohibited from using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf (grass not used for recreation or other essential purposes).

Questions:

Please visit SoCalWater$mart or call 888.376.3314 (operators are available to answer questions in several languages).