Marin County Increases Cash Incentives For Residents To Replace Lawns

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Do you have a lawn in your backyard or in front of your home? Marin County residents willing to swap out that "thirsty" grass for a less water-intensive alternative can get some cash for that.

Under Marin Water's Cash for Grass incentive program, residents could get a "best practices rebate" of up to $4.68 per square foot for installing a rain garden fed by disconnected downspouts. But residents will need to move quickly to get this deal as limited funds are available through June 2025.

Homeowners will be capped at 1,000 square feet and businesses will be capped at 5,000 square feet.

A base rebate of $2.18 per square foot of grass replaced has fewer requirements meant to give residents more flexibility while still cutting down on water use. That rate is up from $1.50, according to the agency.

To get this rate, residents will need to replace grass with alternatives like California-native shrubs and perennials.

Lawns typically need four times more water than more climate appropriate alternatives, Marin Water said.

"And once converted, the new landscaping will use less water. That can translate to smaller bi-monthly water bills!" according to Marin Water.

Apply for the rebate here.