Below are the eligibility details and program requirements for CUWCD's Landscape Incentive Program for Residential Projects. Please note that while this information outlines the requirements to qualify for an incentive, it is the applicant's responsibility to verify that projects comply with city and/or HOA ordinances and requirements.
About the Program
The Landscape Incentive Program offers two project types; lawn replacement and switch to drip (for existing planting beds irrigated with overhead spray). The application form is the same for both. These project types may be done concurrently in one application or split into successive applications.
The incentive for planting new trees (Treebate) may be done with either project type but is not a standalone incentive and does nothave a separate application.
The maximum incentive amount allowed per property is $50,000.
Lawn Replacement
Incentive Amount = $3.00/square foot
Eligibility
Property is located in a city that has adopted Water Efficiency Standards.
The program application must include current photos of the existing landscape, a 2-dimensional landscape design showing project area, and a project description of what will replace the lawn.
Must have existing well-maintained, living lawn in the project area at initial site visit.
Projects started or completed prior to receiving a site visit and approval to proceed from program coordinator are ineligiblefor this program.
Project must be completed within 12 months of initial site visit. Irrigation must be turned on and operational for the completed project inspection visits. These visits are typically unavailable between October 15thand April 15th in cities with secondary irrigation water.
Projects may be specific areas or whole landscape conversions, but each project area must meet all terms of the program.
Project area is at least 200 square feet. This requirement can be met with multiple smaller areas (in aggregate).
No impervious hardscape(concrete, asphalt, pavers, etc.), water features (pools, hot tubs, fountains,etc.), rubber mulch, or artificial turf will be incentivized. These materials may be limited or banned in certain cities. Check your city code before installing these materials in your landscape.
Landscape fabric is allowed but is not recommended. The negative effects of landscape fabric are outlined here.
Replacement of traditional lawns with native or drought-tolerant lawns, while encouraged, does not qualify for the incentive.
Following a project’s completion, a program participation agreement and IRS W-9 form will be sent to the property owner(s). Both documents must be signed and returned before a project can receive an incentive. Incentives will be paid to property owner only.
Completed Project Requirements to Receive Incentive
Projects may not create or leave in place any areas, lengths, or widths of lawn less than eight feet. Any remaining lawn areas must be eight feet wide or wider. To see examples of lawn areas less than eight feet, click here.
The project area must have 50% perennial plant coverage at maturity at the ground plane. This does not include tree canopy, annuals, or bulbs.
Plants are planted directly in the ground (not in pots, burlap, or cages). Plants in pots are allowed, but do not contribute to the 50% perennial plant coverage requirement.
The project area must be covered in 3-4 inches of organic (bark, compost, etc.) or inorganic mulch (gravel,chat, flagstone chips, etc.). Rubber mulch is not permitted.
The converted area must have drip irrigation on its own zone separated from any overhead spray irrigation.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve is equipped with a dedicated filter and pressure reducer. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible for regular maintenance. To see examples of qualifying filters and pressure reducers, click here.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve may only use one type of drip irrigation (point source or in-line). To learn more about the types of qualifying drip irrigation, click here.
Drip emitters cannot exceed 5 gallons per hour.
Micro-sprays, bubblers, adjustable drip emitters, and soaker hoses are not permitted. To see examples of non-qualifying emitters, click here.
Parkstrip project areas must have 50% perennial plant coverage at the ground level at maturity with no perennials exceeding 24 inches tall at maturity. Plants that must be pruned to stay below 24 inches are not allowed
For the final visit, irrigation must be operational and free of leaks. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible and visible.
Hardscape cannot exceed 50% of the front yard landscaped area or 75% of the backyard landscaped area.
Any portion of the installed project that does not meet the requirements at the final inspection may be corrected within 60 days from the inspection or within the remainder of the designated time frame, whichever is greater, without penalty.
Switch to Drip - For Existing Planting Beds
Incentive Amount = $1.00/square foot
Eligibility
Property is located in a city that has adopted Water Efficiency Standards.
200 square foot minimum, if not in conjunction with a lawn removal project. Can meet requirement with multiple smaller areas (in aggregate.)
The application must include current photos of the proposed project area, a 2-dimensional landscape design showing the project area, and a description of the proposed changes.
Projects started or completed prior to receiving a site visit and approval to proceed from program staff are ineligible for this program.
Project must be completed within 12 months of initial site visit. Irrigation must be turned on and operational for the final visit. These visits are typically unavailable between October 15th and April 15th in cities with secondary irrigation water.
Planting beds must be a defined space with intentional ornamental plants. Undeveloped or unmaintained landscape areas do not qualify for the Switch to Drip incentive.
Areas to be converted must have existing, operable, overhead spray irrigation within the planting bed at the time of the site visit from program staff.
Landscape fabric is allowed but is not recommended. The negative effects of landscape fabric are outlined here.
Following a project’s completion, a program participation agreement and IRS W-9 form will be sent to the property owner(s). Both documents must be signed and returned before a project can receive an incentive. Incentives will be paid to property owner only.
Completed Project Requirements to Receive Incentive
The project area must have 50% perennial plant coverage at maturity at the ground plane. This does not include tree canopy, annuals, or bulbs. The project area may include this plant material however it will not be calculated to meet the plant coverage requirement.
Plants are planted directly in the ground (not in pots, burlap, or cages). Plants in pots are allowed, but do not contribute to the 50% perennial plant coverage requirement.
The project area must be covered in 3-4 inches of organic (bark, compost, etc.) or inorganic (rock, chat, flagstone chips, etc.) mulch. Rubber mulch is not permitted.
The converted area must be drip irrigated. Each drip irrigation zone is separated from any overhead spray irrigation.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve is equipped with a dedicated filter and pressure reducer. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible for regular maintenance. To see examples of qualifying filters and pressure reducers, click here.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve may only use one type of drip irrigation (point source or in-line). To learn more about the types of qualifying drip irrigation, click here.
Drip emitters cannot exceed 5 gallons per hour.
Micro-sprays, bubblers, adjustable drip emitters, and soaker hoses are not permitted. To see examples of non-qualifying emitters, click here.
For the final visit, irrigation must be operational and free of leaks. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible and visible.
Any portion of the installed project that does not meet the requirements at the final inspection may be corrected within 60 days from the inspection or within the remainder of the designated time frame, whichever is greater, without penalty.
Treebate
Incentive Amount = $50/tree, up to 10 trees per project
Eligibility
This incentive is offered in conjunction with one of the above-mentioned projects. Trees must be planted in the project area. No stand-alone treebates are offered.
Trees on the provided exclusion list are ineligible for the Treebate.
Plant tags for new trees must be provided at the final visit.
Trees planted within parkstrips less than 10 fet wide or within 10 feet of a home are not eligible.
Must comply with local city or HOA requirements.
Requirements to Receive Incentive
Trees must be planted in the ground. Trees planted with burlap or cages, or in pots, will not be eligible.
Trees must be single-stemmed and be at least a one-inch caliper (have a one-inch diameter trunk six inches above the ground plane) at the time of installation.
Trees must be at least 10 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Trees must be drip irrigated, meeting all requirements of drip irrigation listed in the Lawn Replacement and Switch to Drip project types above. In-line drip irrigation throughout the rootzone is strongly recommended for new and mature trees.
Below are the eligibility details and program requirements for CUWCD's Landscape Incentive Program for Commercial Projects. Please note that while this information outlines the requirements to qualify for an incentive, it is the applicant's responsibility to verify that projects comply with city and/or HOA ordinances and requirements.
About the Program
The Commercial Landscape Incentive Program offers two project types; lawn replacement and switch to drip (for existing planting beds irrigated with overhead spray). The application form is the same for both. These project types may be done concurrently in one application or split into successive applications.
The incentive for planting new trees (Treebate) may be done with either project type but is not a standalone incentive and does nothave a separate application.
The maximum incentive amount allowed per project is $100,000.
Lawn Replacement
Incentive Amount = $3.00/square foot.
Eligibility
Property is located in a city that has adopted Water Efficiency Standards.
The program application must include current photos of the existing landscape, a 2-dimensional landscape design showing the project area, and an explanation of what will replace the lawn.
Project area has existing, well-maintained,living lawn at initial site visit.
Projects started or completed prior to receiving a site visit and approval to proceed from program staff are ineligible for this program.
Project must be completed within 12 months of initial site visit. Completed project inspection visits can only be conducted when irrigation is operational. This is typically unavailable between October 15th and April 15th.
A program participation agreement and IRS W-9 form will be sent to the property owner(s). Both documents must be signed and returned before a project can receive an incentive. Incentives will be paid to property owner/s only.
Projects may be specific areas or whole landscape conversions, but each project area must meet all terms of the program.
Project area is at least 200 square feet. This can be met with multiple project areas (in aggregate).
Functional hardscapes that replace lawn in existing landscapes may qualify for the incentive, as determined by program staff. This could include sitting areas, paths, sport courts, play areas, pavilions, etc. Items that do not qualify for an incentive include artificial turf, water features, supplementary parking, sidewalks, and roadways.
Landscape fabric is allowed but is not recommended. The negative effects of landscape fabric are outlined here.
Replacement of traditional lawns with native or drought-tolerant lawns, while encouraged, does not qualify for the incentive.
Completed Project Requirements to Receive Incentive
Projects may not create or leave in place any areas, lengths, or widths of lawn less than eight feet. Any remaining lawn areas must be eight feet wide or wider. To see examples of lawn areas less than eight feet, click here.
The project area must have 50% perennial plant coverage at maturity at the ground plane. This does not include tree canopy, annuals, or bulbs.
Plants are planted directly in the ground (not in pots, burlap, or cages). Plants in pots are allowed, but do not contribute to the 50% perennial plant coverage requirement.
The project area must be covered in 3-4 inches of organic (bark, compost, etc.) or inorganic mulch (gravel, chat, flagstone chips, etc.). Rubber mulch is not permitted.
The converted area must have drip irrigation on its own zone separated from any overhead spray irrigation.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve is equipped with a dedicated filter and pressure reducer. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible for regular maintenance. To see examples of qualifying filters and pressure reducers, click here.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve may only use one type of drip irrigation (point source or in-line). To learn more about the types of qualifying drip irrigation, click here.
Drip emitters cannot exceed 5 gallons per hour.
Micro-sprays, bubblers, adjustable drip emitters, and soaker hoses are not permitted. To see examples of non-qualifying emitters, click here.
Parkstrip project areas must have 50% perennial plant coverage at the ground level at maturity with no perennials exceeding 24 inches tall at maturity. Plants that must be pruned to stay below 24 inches are not allowed
For the final visit, irrigation must be operational and free of leaks. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible and visible.
Any portion of the installed project that does not meet the requirements at the final inspection may be corrected within 60 days from the inspection or within the remainder of the designated time frame, whichever is greater, without penalty.
Switch to Drip
Incentive Amount = $1.00/square foot.
Eligibility
Property is located in a city that has adopted Water Efficiency Standards.
Project area is at least 200 square foot minimum, if not in conjunction with a lawn removal project. Can be met with multiple projectareas.
The program application must include current photos of the proposed project area, a 2-dimensional landscape design showing the project area, and an explanation of the proposed changes.
Projects started or completed prior to receiving a site visit and approval to proceed from program staff are ineligible for this program.
Project must be completed within 12 months of initial site visit. Irrigation must be turned on and operational for the final visit. These visits are typically unavailable between October 15th and April 15th in cities with secondary irrigation water.
Planting beds must be a defined space with intentional ornamental plants. Undeveloped or unmaintained landscape areas do not qualify for the Switch to Drip incentive.
Areas to be converted must have existing, operable, overhead spray irrigation within the planting bed at the time of the site visit from program staff.
Landscape fabric is allowed but is not recommended. The negative effects of landscape fabric are outlined here.
A program participation agreement and IRS W-9 form will be sent to the property owner(s). Both documents must be signed and returned before a project can receive an incentive. Incentives will be paid to property owner/s only.
Requirements to Receive Incentive
The project area must have 50% perennial plant coverage at maturity at the ground plane. This does not include tree canopy, annuals, or bulbs.
Plants are planted directly in the ground (not in pots, burlap, or cages). Plants in pots are allowed, but do not contribute to the 50% perennial plant coverage requirement.
The project area must be covered in 3-4 inches of organic (bark, compost, etc.) or inorganic (rock, chat, flagstone chips, etc.) mulch. Rubber mulch is not permitted.
The converted area must be drip irrigated. Each drip irrigation zone is separated from any overhead spray irrigation.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve is equipped with a dedicated filter and pressure reducer. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible for regular maintenance. To see examples of qualifying filters and pressure reducers, click here.
Each drip irrigation zone/valve may only use one type of drip irrigation (point source or in-line). To learn more about the types of qualifying drip irrigation, click here.
Drip emitters cannot exceed 5 gallons per hour.
Micro-sprays, bubblers, adjustable drip emitters, and soaker hoses are not permitted. To see examples of non-qualifying emitters, click here.
For the final visit, irrigation must be operational and free of leaks. Filters and pressure reducers must be accessible and visible.
Any portion of the installed project that does not meet the requirements at the final inspection may be corrected within 60 days from the inspection or within the remainder of the designated time frame, whichever is greater, without penalty.
Treebate
Incentive Amount = $50/tree up to 10 trees per project
Eligibility
This incentive is offered in conjunction with one of the above-mentioned projects. Trees must be planted in the project area. No stand-alone Treebates are offered.
Plant tags for new trees must be provided at the final visit.
Trees on the provided exclusion list are ineligible for the treebate.
Trees cannot be planted within parkstrips or parking lot islands less than 10 feet wide or within 10 feet of buildings, easements, or electrical boxes.
Must comply with local city or HOA requirements.
Requirements to Receive Incentive
Trees must be planted in the ground. Trees planted with burlap or cages, or in pots, will not be eligible.
Trees must be single-stemmed and be at least a one-inch caliper (have a one-inch diameter trunk six inches above the ground plane) at the time of installation.
Trees must be at least 10 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Trees must be drip irrigated on a zone free from lawn areas and that include a pressure regulator and filter. In-line drip irrigation is strongly recommended throughout the rootzone for new and mature trees.
.png){kind=logo}
.png){kind=small}