Cucamonga Valley Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Mojave Water Agency offer turf replacement rebates of 2 to 4 dollars per square foot to convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping. State law also blocks HOAs from banning xeriscaping.
Water agencies across San Bernardino County partner with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on the SoCal Water Smart turf rebate program. Pre-inspections verify existing live turf, and post-conversion plans must include qualifying drought-tolerant plants and high-efficiency drip irrigation. Plastic artificial turf does not qualify under most programs. California Civil Code 4735 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping during state or local drought declarations. Mojave Desert and high-desert agencies often offer larger rebates because of acute groundwater overdraft and adjudicated basin obligations.
There are no penalties for not converting. However, HOAs that fine homeowners for compliant drought landscaping may face owner lawsuits and Civil Code 4735 attorney-fee awards.
See how Rancho Cucamonga's turf replacement rebates rules stack up against other locations.
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