Welcome to Santa Ana’s California-friendly landscape webpage.
With climate change and limited water supplies, it’s more important than ever to reduce the large amount of water used to maintain grass lawns. You can be part of the solution—and save money—by replacing turf with landscape designs and plants that use less water. Watch this short video to learn more about creating a water-smart landscape.
This page provides information and resources to help residents and businesses transition from traditional lawns to beautiful, water-smart gardens, including:
Turf removal rebate program
One of the most effective ways to save water is by replacing grass with drought-tolerant landscaping.
Santa Ana has partnered with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to offer residents and businesses rebates through the Turf Replacement Rebate Program.
These rebates are available for removing turf and installing sustainable landscapes that feature water-efficient California Friendly® and native plants. These projects not only conserve water but also require less maintenance, improve property appearance, and provide long-term cost savings.
For residents, rebates start at $2 per square foot for qualifying turf removal and replacement, plus $100 per tree (up to five trees). Apply for Metropolitan’s Residential Turf Replacement Program or download the program flyer.
For commercial property owners, transforming grass into water-efficient landscapes is a smart investment. A state ban on watering unused lawns on commercial properties, including HOAs, begins in January 2027. Rebates start at $7 per square foot for qualifying projects. Apply for Metropolitan’s Commercial Turf Replacement Program or download the program flyer.
City landscape design guidelines
Santa Ana has adopted landscape design guidelines to promote sustainable, water-efficient yards while ensuring consistency across the community. These guidelines provide standards for landscape planting, required ground cover, irrigation systems, synthetic turf, parkway landscaping, and front yard fences, walls, and arbors.
Ground cover & synthetic turf
The guidelines require that a majority of landscaped areas be covered by living ground cover or plants. Synthetic turf is allowed, but it may not exceed 50% of the total landscaped area.
Parkways
A parkway is the narrow strip of land between the street and sidewalk. Traditionally, parkways have been planted with grass and include a street tree. While these areas are owned by the City, it is the responsibility of residents and businesses to maintain and improve them in accordance with City standards.
Fences, walls & arbors
If you are considering a new front yard fence, wall, or arbor, you must submit the required Front Yard Fence Application and confirm your design meets City code requirements before investing in materials. This ensures your project complies with City standards and avoids costly corrections.
Quick rules:
- A majority of landscaped areas must be covered by living ground cover or plants.
- Synthetic turf may not exceed 50% of your total landscape area.
- Parkway landscaping must be maintained per City standards.
- Fences, walls, and arbors require an application and City approval before installation.
For full details, visit:
Landscape design guidelines
Synthetic turf guidelines
Parkway guidelines
Front fence/arbor standards
Water conservation regulations & resources
The City of Santa Ana is committed to reducing water use and ensuring a sustainable future. A 2013 study found that about 67% of all water consumed in Santa Ana comes from residential dwellings. To help protect our state and local water supplies, regulations are in place for water use in homes and businesses.
Visit the City’s water conservation page to learn about the Permanent Water Conservation Restrictions, and explore the water-saving tips page for practical ways to conserve water indoors and outdoors.