FAQ
Plain-English answers about the SNWA Cash for Grass rebate, AB 356 nonfunctional-turf rules, project cost and timing, design and plants, drip irrigation, licensing, and how this consultation request line works.
Last reviewed May 2026. Sources: SNWA Water Smart Landscapes · SNWA Laws & Ordinances.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscapes Rebate — commonly called Cash for Grass — pays property owners to convert qualifying turf to water-efficient landscaping with drip irrigation, qualifying plant cover at maturity, and permeable surface treatment.
SNWA currently lists $5 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet of qualifying grass removed. For single-family residential, $2.50 per square foot thereafter. For business, HOA, and multifamily, $1.50 per square foot thereafter. Verify current amounts directly at snwa.com — they can change.
No — and you should not. SNWA requires a pre-conversion site visit for rebate eligibility. Removing qualifying grass before approval can make the conversion ineligible.
SNWA reviews the proposed conversion area, confirms eligibility against current program rules, and documents the existing turf so the post-conversion inspection has a baseline. The pre-inspection is typically scheduled by the property owner or by the assigned provider.
SNWA generally requires the pre-inspection before turf is removed, so removing first can affect eligibility. In some cases the project may still be reviewable — confirm directly with SNWA before assuming the project is disqualified.
Nevada Assembly Bill 356 (passed 2021) prohibits the use of Colorado River water delivered by SNWA member agencies to irrigate nonfunctional grass beginning January 1, 2027 on properties not zoned exclusively for single-family residences.
Existing single-family residential front and back yards are not directly mandated by AB 356. Single-family homeowners can still voluntarily apply for the Cash for Grass rebate.
Decorative grass not used for active recreation — common-area lawns, decorative front strips, street medians, parking-lot islands, grass around commercial buildings, and similar ornamental landscapes.
Grass used for active recreation — sports fields, parks, school playgrounds, and golf course playing surfaces — is treated differently under AB 356.
Many HOA-managed common areas fall inside AB 356 scope effective January 1, 2027 because they are on properties not zoned exclusively for single-family residences. HOA boards should consult their own legal counsel for interpretations affecting their specific community.
Cost varies widely with design complexity, plant selection, hardscape, irrigation scope, and site conditions. The Cash for Grass rebate can materially offset qualifying project cost. Final pricing is confirmed by your assigned provider after the on-site assessment — the consultation request line itself does not quote project pricing.
Most residential conversions complete in 1–3 weeks of active work, depending on scope, weather, plant availability, and inspection scheduling. SNWA also requires projects to complete within program timelines after the pre-inspection.
Larger HOA and commercial projects can take 4–12 weeks or more, especially when phased across multiple common areas or coordinated with board-approval cycles.
Providers in our network commonly support HOA board work — before/after renderings, plant palettes, and conversion documentation. The consultation line itself does not provide legal advice to HOA boards.
Yes — commercial, multifamily, and property-manager portfolios are standard consultation requests, particularly given AB 356 scope on properties not zoned exclusively for single-family residences.
Native and adapted Mojave species — desert willow, Texas mountain laurel, agave, yucca, lantana, autumn sage, ornamental grasses, and many others. Your provider recommends a palette based on aesthetic preferences, sun exposure, water budget, HOA requirements, and SNWA plant-coverage rules.
No. SNWA program conditions for residential conversions generally call for at least 50% living plant cover at maturity. Modern xeriscape includes drought-tolerant trees, flowering plants, ornamental grasses, hardscape, and decorative rock used as a design element.
Artificial turf is typically not the qualifying conversion target on its own under SNWA program conditions, which generally require living plant cover at maturity and permeable surface treatment. Confirm specific allowances with SNWA.
Yes — converted areas under the SNWA program generally require drip irrigation rather than overhead spray, with components like filter, pressure regulator, and low-flow emitters.
Property owners should request the assigned provider's Nevada State Contractors Board license number, C-10 landscape contracting status where applicable, commercial general liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, and Water Smart Landscaper / Water Smart Contractor program status. The consultation line does not warranty third-party provider credentials.
No. Las Vegas Xeriscape is not owned by, operated by, endorsed by, or affiliated with SNWA, LVVWD, the City of Henderson, the Nevada State Contractors Board, or any other government agency. Program names are referenced for property-owner clarity only.
No. The website is a free consultation request line. Independent local providers are responsible for quotes, licensing, insurance, work performed, warranties, invoices, and rebate handling on assigned projects.
The consultation request line routes inquiries to local providers familiar with the Cash for Grass workflow and AB 356 planning. The assigned provider is responsible for design, installation, licensing, insurance, project pricing, warranty, and rebate handling on the project.
Property type, address, water provider, approximate turf square footage, whether the grass is still in place / alive / irrigated, SNWA application status, HOA architectural-review status, project timeline, and design preferences. Photos help but are not required.
Photos help the assigned provider scope the conversion area before the on-site visit. They are optional and can be shared as a link rather than uploaded directly. Don't share photos containing payment info, gate codes, or other sensitive material.
Call to talk through your property, or submit a consultation request and a local provider will follow up if your project is a fit.