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C. Planting Plan: A planting plan is required at the time of application. The planting plan should be a to-scale,
aerial view of the area to be converted, with dimensions of that area, and it must include a plant list. The
planting plan should also show the proposed locations for each plant listed in the proposed plant list.
D. Impermeable Surfaces: Impermeable surfaces such as concrete or pavers set in mortar bed that do not allow
water to penetrate into the ground are not allowed as part of the converted area. Permeable paving is allowed
in up to 50% of the converted area. Permeable paving types are pavers and natural stones in sand leveling
bed, decomposed granite without binding material, mulch (except for shredded bark mulch), and gravel.
Other permeable paving types could be acceptable upon approval by the City.
E. Artificial Turf: Rebates will not be issued for artificial turf that is installed within the converted area.
F. Mulch Requirements: All planting areas within the converted area must have a minimum of three (3) inches of
mulch. Shredded bark mulch is not allowed. If weed barriers are used under mulch, the barrier must be
permeable to water.
G. Sheet Mulching: Lawn conversion projects that use sheet mulching will be eligible to receive the extra rebate
of twenty-five cents ($0.25) per square foot of converted area. Sheet mulching must be used correctly in order
be eligible for the rebate. Please see the sheet mulching links in the resources section of this document to
learn about the appropriate way to sheet mulch.
H. Efficient Irrigation System Requirements: An irrigation system is not required in the converted area for
residential applicants. However, an irrigation system that complies with the current Bay-Friendly Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance is required in the converted area for commercial/industrial applicants. New
irrigation systems must comply with all of the following requirements:
• Low volume drip
• Equipped with proper backflow prevention device, a rainfall shutoff valve, a pressure regulator, filter
and pressure compensating emitters
• In good working order
• Free of leaks and malfunctions.
If only a portion of lawn is converted, the converted area must be irrigated on a separate valve from the
remaining lawn. The sprinkler system for the remaining lawn must be modified to irrigate only the remaining
lawn and must not spray onto the converted area.
Existing sprinkler irrigation in the converted area must be removed, capped in place, or converted to a low
volume drip.
III. Terms of the Lawn Conversion Rebate
A. Rebate Term: Lawn conversion projects must be completed within six (6) months following receipt of the
“Notice to Proceed” from the City. If the applicant does not maintain the converted area, the applicant may be
charged for some, or all, of the rebate, at the City’s discretion.
B. Rebate Amount: The rebate amount for front yards and areas visible to the public is seventy-five cents ($0.75)
per square foot of lawn converted. The rebate amount for backyards and areas not visible to the public is fifty
cents ($0.50) per square foot of lawn converted. An additional twenty-five cents ($0.25) per square foot of
lawn converted will be available for projects that use sheet mulching. Rebates will be issued after the Lawn
Conversion Project has been completed and approved. Rebates will be issued in the form of a check.
Rebates over $600: Approved rebates of $600 or more may be considered income by the IRS. Program
application submittals approved for rebates over $600 are required to complete an IRS W-9 form and return it
to the City of Hayward prior to issuance of the rebate.
C. Pre-Conversion Site Inspection: The City of Hayward water customers interested in participating in the Lawn
Conversion Program must first submit an application to the City, including a planting plan for the converted
