Photo Credit: City of Glendale

As a real estate agent in Glendale, I am always on the lookout for ways to help my clients add value to their properties while also helping the environment. That's why I'm so excited to share the benefits of the Glendale Water and Power (GWP) Turf Replacement Program. This program provides residents and businesses with a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for preparing their landscapes for Southern California's hot summers.

By replacing traditional turf with water-efficient plants, Glendale homeowners can save a significant amount of money on their water bills. Did you know that native plants can survive on just 20 gallons of water per month, while a single yard of lawn can take up to 4,000 gallons of water per month to keep it green? With the Turf Replacement Program, residents and commercial customers are eligible for a $2 per square foot rebate for replacing their turf with drought-tolerant and native plants, retrofitting their irrigation systems to be more efficient, and capturing rainwater.

However, it's important to note that synthetic turf is not an approved conversion option for this program. And before you begin your project, you'll need to apply for a reservation to receive your rebate. This is a two-part process, and it's essential to measure your project area accurately to ensure that you receive the correct rebate amount.

For residential customers, the project minimum size is 250 square feet, with a maximum of 5,000 square feet. For commercial customers, the project minimum size is 250 square feet, with a maximum of 50,000 square feet. All applications must be submitted online through the SoCal Water$mart website.

Every turf replacement project must include three plants per 100 square feet of area transformed, a stormwater retention feature, no hardscape within the transformed area (except for permeable hardscape), and the replacement or modification of overhead spray sprinklers. To qualify, Glendale residents must follow the regulations set forth in Glendale's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 30.31 – Landscaping) and obtain a permit from the City of Glendale's Public Works department for installing any living or non-living plant materials over 12 inches in height in parkways.

In conclusion, the GWP Turf Replacement Program is a fantastic opportunity for Glendale residents and businesses to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and beautify their landscapes. I encourage all my clients to consider this program and help make Glendale a greener, more sustainable community.