Landscape Design Rebate

The Turf Replacement Rebate Program is offering an additional rebate for residential participants seeking professional design services! No additional application is required.

Participants will receive a $1000 rebate (or actual cost of design, whichever is less) upon completion of their Turf Replacement project. The Design Rebate will be included in the Turf Replacement rebate check.

1a. Landscape Design Rebate Process

Step 1: Research landscape designers from the Designers List, or select another licensed landscape professional who can provide you with a design that meets the Rebate Eligible Design Requirements. 

Step 2: Hire your selected professional. Review the requirements with them to ensure your design qualifies for the rebate.

Step 3: Submit your design with your Turf Replacement application. Your site plan will be screened for eligibility (there is no additional application for the Design Rebate). Save your invoice from your designer to submit later.

Step 4: When you receive your Letter to Proceed after the pre-inspection, you can install your new landscape! When you submit your completed Turf Replacement project, include your design invoice with your submission.

Step 5: Receive your Landscape Design Rebate as part of your Turf Replacement Program rebate check.

1b. Participant Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a Residential account 
  • Design must include the front yard for the Turf Replacement Program*
  • Design must be from a designer on the Designers List or a licensed business/contractor 
  • Design must meet the Rebate Eligible Design Requirements (listed below) 
  • Submission of an invoice/receipt listing the cost of the Design is required
  • Project must meet the Turf Replacement Program Terms & Conditions

*Irvine Ranch Water District customers converting only backyards for the Turf Replacement Program are eligible. 

2. Designers List

Review the list of Designers below to find one that meets your needs. The following designers have submitted their credentials and have been verified for the Landscape Design Rebate. The Designers List is for informational purposes and is not an endorsement. Participant can use other licensed designers as long as the design meets the Rebate Eligible Design Requirements.  

Designers can contact MWDOC for consideration to be added to the Designers List. Designers must submit to TurfRemoval@mwdoc.com the Designers List Application.

3. Rebate Eligible Design Requirements

Native Firewise Design – Example of a landscape design that includes all required elements

To qualify for MWDOC’s Landscape Design Rebate, the submitted Design must meet the Turf Replacement Program Project Criteria and include the following elements: 

  • Planting Plan 
    • Plant List/Legend including quantity of plants 
    • Must show the spatial distribution of plants 
    • Turf Replacement requirements:
      • At least 3 plants per 100 sq ft of turf replacement area. If the project is divided into multiple sections, such as a front yard and back yard, each section must meet the minimum plant requirement based on that section’s square footage. (New trees that are eligible for the Tree Rebate count as 3 plants instead of 1 plant)
      • No invasive plants such as Mexican feathergrass (plants listed on the Cal-IPC Inventory are prohibited from the program: https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profiles/)
    • RECOMMENDED: Color images of each plant, planting specifications, plant water needs 
  • Sustainability Feature 
    • Type, location, and description of a sustainability feature from the Program’s list of eligible Sustainability Features
    • RECOMMENDED: Dimensions of the sustainability feature, construction diagram, example photos  
  • Materials List 
    • Mulch, rocks, etc. to be used in the project 
    • Turf Replacement requirements:
      • Project areas must be covered with at least a 3” layer of mulch, except around groundcover plants that are expected to cover the entire planted area. Acceptable mulch includes but is not limited to compost, bark, wood chip, decomposed granite, and river rock. The use of organic materials is recommended. Only organic mulch is acceptable around the base of plants.
      • Pavers, flagstone, or other like materials may be used but cannot be grouted with cement, concrete or other impermeable material, and must have a minimum of 2 inches of spacing between pavers. Paver dimensions must not exceed 3 feet by 3 feet to be eligible. 
    • RECOMMENDED: Amount of materials needed (eg. cubic ft of mulch) 
  • Irrigation Specifications  
    • Labeled Hydrozones (color-coded or other method) 
    • Identify irrigation technology and locations (if Participant is not handwatering)
      • Irrigation Controller 
      • Irrigation Valves
        • If using equipment with different flow rates (such as a combination of rotating nozzles + drip tubing), they must run on separate irrigation valves 
      • Irrigation equipment list including:
        • Emission devices (high efficiency nozzles, drip tubing, etc.) 
        • Pressure Regulator and Filters are required if converting to drip irrigation 
    • Turf Replacement requirements:
      • Any spray sprinklers must be converted to high efficiency nozzles, drip irrigation, or capped off/removed. 
  • Additional recommended items: 
    • Landscape maintenance tips (such as soil amendments & weed control) 
    • Plant care tips (such as pruning & trimming) 
    • Irrigation schedules for establishment of new plantings and maintenance of established plantings
    • Irrigation system maintenance tips 

Design Invoice Requirements
When your Turf Replacement project is complete, you must submit an invoice from your designer to qualify for the Landscape Design Rebate. The invoice must include the cost of the design, project address, description of work, date, and the designer’s name.
Example Invoice

4. Landscape Design Rebate Terms & Conditions

Residential Turf Replacement participants may be eligible to receive a Landscape Design Rebate as part of a Turf Replacement project. Participation in the Landscape Design Rebate is voluntary, and additional terms apply to qualify for the Landscape Design Rebate:

  • Participants must successfully complete their Turf Replacement Project to receive the Design Rebate.  
  • Design must include the front yard of the residential property. Properties without front yards may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Participant must purchase a design from a designer on the Designers List or other licensed landscape professional, and the Design must meet the Landscape Design Rebate requirements and the Turf Replacement Program requirements as posted on the Program website. 
  • Rebate amount will not exceed eligible design costs. Participant must provide an invoice/receipt from the landscape professional that includes the cost of design, project address, description of work, date, and service provider’s name.  
  • All local laws, ordinances, etc., must be followed, including requirements to hire contractors that have valid business licenses. All conversions, including historic sites, are subject to the terms of their local agency’s landscape ordinance and must comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, as well as applicable CC&Rs and/or HOA restrictions.  
  • Participant agrees to waive, release, relinquish and discharge MWODC, its officials and employees from all liability, loss, claims, demands, causes of action, and damage arising out of Participants’ participation in this Program.  
  • DISCLAIMER OF ENDORSEMENT: Inclusion of any designer in the Designers List does not constitute an endorsement by MWDOC. This list is not representative of the only landscape professionals that are able to provide this type of work. MWDOC is not responsible or liable for any services provided by these designers or the outcomes of any projects undertaken with them. It is the Participant’s responsibility to request current proof of insurance, bond and license, and to obtain any other relevant information about any designer. 

5. FAQ

  • I do not have a design yet, can I still submit my Turf Replacement application? 
    • Yes, you may upload a simple site plan of your property outlining your project area(s) in place of the design to submit your Turf Replacement application. Please let us know you are interested in the Landscape Design Rebate and which designer you are working with. However, you will not receive your Letter to Proceed until after your professional design is received and approved. Email your final design to TurfRemoval@mwdoc.com.
  • Some of the plants in my design were not available at the nursery, can I swap them for other plants? 
    • Yes, your completed project can deviate from your submitted design as long as it still meets the Turf Replacement Program requirements.
  • My landscape professional credits back the design cost if they perform the landscape installation, will I still be eligible for the Design Rebate? 
    • Yes, your submitted project invoice must show the cost of the design credited back.
  • My landscape design also includes the side/back yard. Will I still receive the full Design Rebate?
    • Yes, if your design includes the front yard it is eligible for the full rebate amount.
  • Can I hire someone who is not on your list? 
    • Yes, however they must be a licensed professional who can provide you with an eligible design and an invoice for the cost of the design (see Rebate Eligible Design Requirements)