Get written approval before removing grass, signing a construction contract, buying materials, or starting work. Many programs explicitly require preapproval. When the rule is unclear, waiting is safer than assuming.
Approval is a project gate, not paperwork you can repair later. The agency may need to inspect the existing condition, approve the design, rank the application, reserve funds, or issue a contract or notice to proceed.
When the answer changes
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pre-inspection program | Do not disturb the existing lawn, pavement, drainage, or hazard condition until it is documented. |
| Reimbursement program | Approval usually comes before eligible purchase and installation dates. |
| Grant or cost share | A contract or notice to proceed may be required, not merely an application confirmation. |
| Automatic credit | There may be no application, but maintenance and account rules still apply. |
| Free material pickup | Preapproval may not apply, but residency, supply, vehicle, and pickup rules do. |
The program’s own definitions control. Use this table to know what to ask—not to replace the official application, agreement, design, or local approval.
What to do next
- Read the current official program page and application.
- Identify the exact action that creates eligibility: application, inspection, design approval, contract, or notice to proceed.
- Take dated photos and measurements before changing the site.
- Submit the complete application with ownership, account, quote, plan, and other required proof.
- Wait for written authorization and save it.
- Compare the approved scope with the contractor quote and material order before work begins.
Real programs to compare
Alaska Streambank/Lake Shore Restoration Cost-Share
The official sources do not publish one simple amount.
Single Family Grass Removal Rebate Program
$1.50 per square foot.
Residential Grass-to-Xeriscape and Tree Bonus Incentive Program
Currently advertised base maximum: $2,100.00. Temporary doubled schedule waitlisted: $2,000.00 for 500-999 square feet before tree bonus, $3,000.00 for 1000-1499 square feet before tree bonus, $4,000.00 for 1500 square feet or more before tree bonus, up to $200.00 for two qualifying trees.
Residential Grass Removal Program
$2 per square foot of grass removed.
California Wildfire Mitigation Program
Not published.
Lawn Conversion Rebate
Standard: $1.00 per square foot. Super: $2.00 per square foot. Commercial median strip: $2.00 per square foot. Landscape design assistance: $200.00.
LADWP Turf Replacement Rebate
Residential: $5.00 per square foot. Residential components: LADWP $3.00 plus MWD $2.00. Commercial multifamily: $6.00 per square foot first 50000 then $4.00. Public agency: $7.00 per square foot first 200000 then $4.00.
Cash for Grass Lawn Replacement Program
Standard: $2.18 per square foot. Best practices: $3.68 per square foot. Best practices with disconnected downspout: $4.68 per square foot.
SoCal WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program
$2 per square foot.
Grass Replacement Incentive Program (GRIP)
Traditional water wise landscape: $3.00 per square foot. Warm season water wise grass: $0.50 per square foot.
Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program
Individual property: up to $2,000.00.
Thornton Water Water-Wise Landscape Rebate
Landscape: up to $2.00 per square foot. Limit basis: approved cost and area.
Common mistakes
- Removing “just a little” grass before the pre-inspection.
- Treating an application receipt as approval.
- Paying a nonrefundable deposit before the contractor or scope is accepted.
- Buying materials during a sale and expecting the program to backdate eligibility.
- Changing the approved design without written permission.
A five-minute check before you commit money
- I confirmed the exact address, account, applicant, and property type.
- I opened the current official program source.
- I know whether approval or a contract must come before work or purchase.
- I can separate required, allowed, reimbursable, and excluded work.
- I know who pays first and what proof is required.
- I saved the important answer or approval in writing.
FAQs
Can the agency make an exception if I already started?
Do not count on it. Some programs state that early work is ineligible, and lost before-condition evidence cannot be recreated.
Can I get estimates before approval?
Often yes, and some programs require them. An estimate is different from authorizing work or buying materials.
What if there is an emergency?
Contact the responsible agency and any safety authority immediately. Emergency rules vary; document the condition and instructions.
Official sources
Rules vary by program. Use the official sources below to confirm the details that apply to your project.
- https://www.chandleraz.gov/residents/water/water-conservation/rebate-and-incentive-programs/residential
- https://www.chandleraz.gov/residents/water/water-conservation/rebate-and-incentive-programs/residential/rebate-policy
- https://www.chandleraz.gov/residents/water/water-conservation/rebate-and-incentive-programs/residential/rebate-questionnaire
- https://doee.dc.gov/service/permeablesurfacerebate
- https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doee/service_content/attachments/Permeable%20Surface%20Rebate%20Program%20Application_1.pdf
- https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doee/service_content/attachments/Permeable%20Surface%20Rebate%20Program%20Applicant%20Guide_1.pdf
- https://msdprojectclear.org/what-we-do/rainscaping/small-grants/
- https://msdprojectclear.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY2026-Adopted-Budget.pdf
- https://msdprojectclear.org/what-we-do/stormwater-management/bmp-toolbox/stormwater-quality/permeable-pavement/pervious-concrete/
- https://www.austintexas.gov/water/programs/rebates-tools-programs
- https://www.austintexas.gov/water/water-wise-landscaping-rebate-faqs
- https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Water/Conservation/Rebates_and_Programs/AW_Conservation_Residential_Brochure_2025.pdf
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/heavy-use-area-protection-sq-ft-561-conservation-practice
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Heavy_Use_Area_Protection_561_CPS_9_2020.pdf
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/how-to-apply
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/kansas/payment-schedule
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program/kansas/environmental-quality
- https://kingcounty.gov/so-so/dept/dnrp/waste-services/wastewater-treatment/programs/rainwise
- https://seattlerainwise.org/
- https://seattlerainwise.org/rebate-process/
- https://seattlerainwise.org/contractor-resources/
- https://seattlerainwise.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/250902_RainWise_DesignDetails_Accessible_20260318.pdf
- https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WASEATTLE/bulletins/414fc77
- https://nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/Applying%20for%20Conservation%20Programs.pdf