The City’s Department of Utilities is giving residents more incentive to replace grass with water-efficient landscaping, but only for a limited time.

Customers in single-family homes who apply for the City’s grass conversion rebate by Feb. 28, 2027 can get up to $5,000, calculated at $2.50 per square foot of grass replaced in their front, side or back yards.

That’s an increase from the City’s previous rebate of $1.50 per square foot, which was capped at $3,000.

“Most household water use occurs outdoors, so changing your landscape can make a big difference in how much water you use,” said William Granger, the City’s water conservation coordinator. “With the increased rebate, we hope more residents will take the opportunity to create yards that use less water while still being beautiful and functional.”

Residents who need help planning their project can also receive up to $200 toward professional design assistance for a front yard landscape through a City-approved landscape designer.

“You don’t have to know exactly what you want your new yard to look like before getting started,” Granger said. “Our landscape design assistance program can help residents develop a plan that works for their home, their needs and Sacramento’s climate.”

Since the City’s grass conversion rebate program began in 2014, customers have replaced nearly 2 million square feet of grass with water-efficient landscaping.

Multi-family properties, including apartments, condominiums and homeowner associations, are also eligible for the increased $2.50-per-square-foot rebate. These properties can receive up to $50,000 in rebates for grass replacement, irrigation upgrades and smart irrigation controllers.

Information on rebate requirements and how to apply can be found on the City’s water conservation website.