Foster City homeowners converting to drought-tolerant landscaping can stack multiple rebate programs to significantly offset project costs. A typical front yard conversion that costs $5,000–$8,000 can net $2,000–$5,000 in rebates when all programs are combined correctly.
Here is every rebate program currently available to Foster City residents, how to qualify, and how to apply.
Primary Rebate Programs — Foster City 2026
BAWSCA Turf Replacement Rebate
The largest rebate available to Foster City homeowners. Covers removal of irrigated lawn and replacement with drought-tolerant plants or permeable hardscape. Minimum 500 sq ft. Pre-approval required before starting work.
Smart Irrigation Controller Rebate
Weather-based "smart" irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on local weather data qualify for rebates through BAWSCA and some California utility programs. These controllers reduce outdoor water use by an additional 15–25%.
California State Water Board — Water Efficiency Programs
California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and related programs periodically offer additional incentives for residential water reduction. Check saveourh2o.org for current statewide programs layerable with BAWSCA rebates.
BAWSCA Turf Rebate — Step by Step
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take "before" photos of existing lawn | Before anything is removed |
| 2 | Submit pre-approval application at BAWSCA website | Before work begins |
| 3 | Receive pre-approval confirmation | Typically 1–2 weeks |
| 4 | Complete the project (removal + planting + drip) | After pre-approval |
| 5 | Submit after photos, plant receipts, contractor invoice | Within 90 days of completion |
| 6 | Schedule post-installation inspection | BAWSCA schedules within 2–4 weeks |
| 7 | Receive rebate check | 4–6 weeks after inspection |
We Handle the Paperwork
For all full-service drought-tolerant conversion projects, Foster City Pro Landscapes manages the BAWSCA pre-approval application, documents the project with before/after photography, and prepares the rebate submission package. Customers typically receive their rebate checks 6–10 weeks after project completion.
What Qualifies for the BAWSCA Rebate
Qualifies: Irrigated lawn removed and replaced with California native plants, drought-tolerant plants, mulch, permeable hardscape (decomposed granite, permeable pavers, gravel), or drip-irrigated planting beds.
Does not qualify: Non-irrigated areas (already dry), hardscape that was already in place, artificial turf (some programs accept it — check current rules), or areas covered by existing tree canopy.
Drip irrigation required: Any replanted areas must be served by drip or bubbler irrigation, not spray heads. This is a hard requirement for BAWSCA rebate eligibility.
Stacking Rebates — Maximum Return
A Foster City homeowner converting a 1,200 sq ft front lawn can potentially stack:
BAWSCA turf rebate at $2/sq ft = $2,400
Smart controller rebate = $150
State water efficiency program (if active) = $200–$500
Total potential rebate: $2,750 – $3,050
On a project costing $6,000–$9,000, that brings the net cost down to $3,000–$6,000 — before the annual water savings of $1,000–$1,800 that start immediately after installation.