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πŸ’§ Water Use Rules/Turf Replacement Rebates

Turf Replacement Rebates: Long Beach vs Los Angeles

How do turf replacement rebates rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?

Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.

Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles County

Few Restrictions

Long Beach Water Department offers rebates to homeowners and businesses replacing thirsty lawn with California-friendly landscaping, mulch, and efficient drip irrigation. The program coordinates with Metropolitan Water District turf rebate funding and applies citywide.

View full Long Beach rules β†’

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles County

Few Restrictions

LADWP's Turf Removal Rebate pays residential customers 3 dollars per square foot for replacing live grass with California-friendly landscaping, capped at 1,500 square feet per single-family parcel. Pre-approval is required and projects must use plants from the LADWP-approved list.

View full Los Angeles rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLong BeachLos Angeles
FunderMWD plus LBWD-
TriggerReplace living turf-
RequiredDrip and low-water plants-
InspectionsPre and post project-
Rebate rate-3 dollars per square foot
Residential cap-1,500 square feet
Commercial cap-50,000 square feet
Hardscape limit-25 percent of project
Approval required-Pre-inspection before removal

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Long Beach FAQ

Does artificial turf qualify?

Programs vary. Some periods exclude artificial turf in favor of living plants and climate-appropriate landscapes that retain stormwater.

Can renters apply?

Generally the property owner or an authorized agent must apply, since the rebate is tied to the parcel and requires permanent landscape change.

Los Angeles FAQ

Do I have to apply before removing my lawn?

Yes. LADWP requires pre-inspection approval before any turf removal. Removing grass first disqualifies the project from the rebate even if the new landscape meets all other rules.

Can I install artificial turf and still qualify?

Yes, synthetic turf qualifies if it meets LADWP's permeability and reflectivity standards. However, most rebate dollars go to projects with live drought-tolerant plants from the approved California-friendly list.

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