Turf Replacement Program

About the Rebate

City of Modesto water customers may be eligible for a $2 per square foot rebate when they convert their existing grass area with any qualifying artificial turf products or drought tolerant landscape products. The rebate amount may not exceed $3,000 per residential City of Modesto water account and/or $6,000 per commercial City of Modesto water account. Funding is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The City reserves the right to terminate this program at any time and for any reason.

Outdoor landscaping is the single largest use of water in a typical California home or business. In most yards, grass consumes the most water, therefore reducing or eliminating how much grass you have can significantly reduce your water use.

Apply for Rebate Online


Turf Rebate Program Application (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)

  1. Title II Compliance

    In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) of 1990, the Fair Employment & Housing Act (“FEHA”), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), Government Code section 11135 and other applicable codes, the City of Modesto (“City”) will not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability in the City’s services, programs, or activities. For more information, please visit the City of Modesto website.

  2. Providing an Email address will speed up the response time to your application.
  3. Type of Property*
  4. Are you the Property Owner?*
  5. Have you previously applied for this rebate?*
  6. attach to application
  7. Inspection Required
    Do not begin project until after pre-inspection approval.
  8. Rebate Information
    • Note to Tenants: Approval from property owner/property manager must be included.
    • The rebate value cannot exceed the actual cost of the products used in the conversion.
    • An original itemized dated sales receipt is required at the post-inspection.
    • Limit of $3,000 rebate per residential account per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30)
    • Limit of $6,000 rebate per commercial account per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30)
    • Compliance with attached guideline is required.
  9. Program Guidelines and Participation Section

    Who Qualifies?

    • City of Modesto customers who pay a water utility bill to the City of Modesto.
    • Customer accounts that are in good standing.
    • Tenants who provide written approval from the property owner or property manager.
    • Area to be converted must have grass or traditional sprinklers intact at the Pre-Inspection appointment in order to qualify for the rebate.

    Timeline

    • Program applies to turf replaced between July 1 to June 30 of the current fiscal year.
    • A pre-inspection will be scheduled once the application has been received.
    • After approval of pre-inspection, you will have 60 days to complete the conversion of your existing landscaping, which will be indicated in the Notice to Proceed Letter.
    • Once completed, contact the City of Modesto Water Conservation to schedule the post-inspection.
    • Itemized dated sales receipts for the products used in the conversion are required at the post-inspection.
    • If not approved at inspection, you have 30 days to make corrections and to schedule a final inspection.

    Turf Replacement (qualifying for rebate)

    • Turf replacement must be drought tolerant and permeable (allow water to penetrate into the ground).
    • Applicant must provide a simple sketch of the proposed landscape, as well as photos of the existing landscape.
    • When replacing turf, irrigation system must be capped, eliminated or converted to drip.
    • Turf replacement must be maintained and kept in healthy condition for a minimum of 5 years.
    • Turf replacement must be installed within the Modesto City service area and at the address listed on the application.
    • Applicants must provide a list of proposed plants with the application.
    • If only part of the lawn is converted, the new planting area must be on a separate valve.

    Rebates

    • Existing artificial turf, turf installation costs, new construction, accessories, and taxes do not qualify. Reimbursement is for products used in the conversion. Labor cost does not qualify.
    • Rebate checks will be mailed within 8 weeks after completing the rebate process.
    • Rebate amount cannot exceed the cost of the products used in the conversion. Dated, itemized sales receipts are required at the post-inspection.
    • Rebates are limited to $3,000 per residential utility billing account per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
    • Rebates are limited to $6,000 per commercial utility billing account per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).

    Application and Rebate Approval or Denial

    • On-site compliance verification is required.
    • Original itemized, dated sales receipt for the products used in the conversion area is required at the post-inspection
    • Incomplete, incorrect or unsigned applications cannot be processed. We will contact you with any discrepancies and may require you to submit a new application.
    • Customer must fulfill all program guidelines to be eligible for rebates.

    Other Considerations

    • The Rebate Program is not responsible for materials lost by mail.
    • Submission or possession of a rebate application does not guarantee receiving a rebate.
    • Rebates are processed on a first come, first served basis.
    • Funding for this rebate program is limited to available resources.
    • Rebate amounts are subject to change without notification.
    • This program shall at all times be subject to change or termination without prior notice.
  10. Terms and Conditions
    The City of Modesto may deny any application that does not meet program requirements. The undersigned expressly agrees that the City may inspect all items submitted for the Turf Replacement Rebate Program. The City does not guarantee the performance of any turf replacement; does not warrant any turf replacement or installation to be free of defects, the quality of the workmanship, or the suitability of the premises or the turf replacement installation. The undersigned further agrees to hold harmless the City of Modesto against all loss, damage, expense and liability resulting from the loss, destruction or damage to property arising out of or in any way connected with the turf replacement. The City reserves the right to alter this program at any time. Funding for this rebate program is limited to available resources. Rebates are processed on a first come, first served basis.
  11. Electronic Signature*
  12. Leave This Blank:

Other Options for Applying - Paper Application

Request Application

If you are not applying online, request an application by emailing or calling the Water Services Division.

Submit Application

Send your completed paper application and the original sales receipt by faxing, emailing or mailing to: City of Modesto, Attention: Water Division - Rebate Program, PO Box 642, Modesto CA 95353. 

Note: A City of Modesto representative will contact you to schedule a brief appointment to verify your existing landscape. Do not begin your conversion until the rebate has been approved after the pre-inspection.