1. What is LEAP? How is it funded?
    The Landscape Efficiency Assistance Program (LEAP) will provide FREE construction services for lawn removal and replacement with California friendly landscaping for single-family residences located in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) within LADWP’s service area. See Question 5 for a definition of DAC.

    LEAP is funded by the Urban Community Drought Relief Grant provided by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
     
  2. When will LEAP end? 
    The LEAP program is estimated to run through Winter 2026 or until grant funding is exhausted.
     
  3. Who qualifies for LEAP?
    LADWP customers may qualify if they meet all the following requirements:
    1. Live in a single-family residence within a Disadvantaged Community as defined by the State of California Department of Water Resources.
    2. Have between 500 to 3,000 square feet of green grass in the front yard (square footage can include parkway).
    3. Are the property’s Owner of Record with LADWP or have written permission from the Property Owner.
       
  4. Why is LEAP available only in Disadvantaged Communities (DAC)?
    Even with LADWP’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program, replacing turf with California friendly landscaping can be challenging – especially for residents in disadvantaged communities who often can't afford the upfront cost to make these upgrades. By providing free direct installation services, the program makes California-friendly landscaping accessible to everyone, not just those with means. These upgrades also conserve water and lower water bills, offering some financial relief. In addition, our grant funding agreement with DWR requires LEAP participants to reside in DAC.
     
  5. What is considered a Disadvantaged Community? 
    A Disadvantaged Community (DAC) as defined by California's Department of Water Resources is a community with an annual median household income (MHI) that is less than 80% of the Statewide annual median household income. Using the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) data for the years 2016 -2020, 80% of the California Statewide MHI is $62,938. The ACS data gives estimates of MHI for different census geographies, such as states, counties, census places (incorporated cities and unincorporated towns), census tracts, and census block groups.
     

  6. How do I know if I live in a Disadvantaged Community? 
    Check the DAC Mapping Tool and follow the steps below:

    1. Accept the Application Use and Data disclaimers by checking the box and clicking OK.
    2. Under the Layer List located on the top right side of screen, select the following layer boxes:
      1. Disadvantaged Communities – Census Tracts (ACS: 2019-2023)
      2. Disadvantaged Communities – Census Tracts (ACS: 2016-2020)
      3. Disadvantaged Communities – Census Tracts (ACS: 2014-2018)
    3. On the top left, in the search bar ‘Find address or place,’ type in your address.
    4. If your address appears within one of the shaded areas labeled as “DACs” or “SDACs”, you live within a DAC as defined by DWR. If your address appears within the shaded area labeled as “Data Not Available”, you unfortunately do not qualify for the program.
       

    Need help confirming if you live in a DAC? Call the Water Conservation Hotline at 1-800-544-4498 and press ‘5’ or email your questions to [email protected].

     

  7. What documents will need to be provided when applying to the program? 
    Please review the LEAP Application Checklist and How to Apply video for more information on the documents and photos needed for your application:

    1. Letter of Permission from the Property Owner (if you are not the Property Owner)
    2. 5 photos showing your existing landscape in the front yard
    3. 3 to 5 photos of your existing irrigation system and valves
    4. 3 to 5 photos showing the existing rain gutters and down spouts in the front of the house.
       

    Applicants will need to estimate the square footage of their front yard and should also determine their preferred design template prior to applying. Links to the design templates can be found at ladwp.com/LEAP. Please note the application CANNOT be saved and must be completed in a single session. To avoid any interruptions, we recommend having all necessary information and documents prepared before applying.
     

  8. Who will design the landscape and irrigation plans?
    LADWP has pre-approved design templates for landscaping and irrigation that you will choose from when filling out the application. See the designs at ladwp.com/LEAP. The designs are tailored to where you live in the City of Los Angeles based on your Water District. When you apply for the program, you’ll select a design template that corresponds to your Water District. You can find out which district you live in by checking the Water District Map.  You can also check the neighborhoods within each water district at ladwp.com/LEAP.

    Once you’ve chosen a template from your designated Water District, a certified contractor will personalize it to fit the specific layout and conditions of your front yard.
     
  9. How are landscaping contractors selected?
    LADWP has contracts with landscapers who are certified in water-efficient landscaping. These contractors will work with program participants to remove existing lawn, update/install irrigation system, and plant California-Friendly landscaping.
     
  10. What is the work the landscaping contractor will be responsible for?
    Depending on site conditions, the Contractor’s scope of work may include:
    1. Turf removal and disposal
    2. Performing shallow excavation, grading, and trenching for the new irrigation system
    3. Replacing the irrigation system with a drip irrigation one (only if an existing irrigation system is present)
    4. Installing a stormwater capture feature
    5. Adding water-saving devices, if applicable
    6. Planting California-Friendly landscaping
    7. Laying a weed barrier and organic mulch
       
  11. Why do template designs vary across the five water districts? 
    Design templates are tailored to each district’s unique climate and soil conditions to ensure long-term success. What works in one area of the City of Los Angeles might not do well in another. Landscape design templates also reflect local home styles and prioritize neighborhoods with higher water usage or drought risk.
     
  12. Can I choose a template outside my water district?
    No—templates are district-specific. Using one from another area may cause poor performance, wasted water, and plants that struggle to thrive in your region of the City of Los Angeles.
     
  13. How will I know when work/installation will start?
    The program operates on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, construction start-date varies based on the number of applicants. If your application is pre-approved and a Contractor is assigned, the contractor will contact you by phone or email to start the process. The Contractor will first inspect your front yard, take measurements, and update the design template. Once LADWP reviews and approves the updated design, the Contractor will reach out again to schedule construction and confirm when work will begin.
     
  14. How long will work /installation take?
    The duration of construction may vary depending on the Contractor’s schedule and construction methods, existing layout of your front yard, the proposed improvements, and other variables, however we estimate construction to be completed within 5 to 7 business days once the Contractor schedules the work with you and mobilizes. The Contractor will provide a more accurate timeframe once the work is scheduled.
     
  15. Who will maintain the landscaping?
    Once installation is finished, the customer must maintain the converted front yard for at least five years in accordance with the LEAP Terms and Conditions. Neither LADWP nor the Contractor are responsible for replacing mulch, adding new mulch, or ensuring the longevity of the plants. LADWP will provide a maintenance guide containing helpful tips to keep your landscape thriving.
     
  16. Are there other water-saving options available if I’m not ready to replace my lawn with California Friendly landscaping? 
    Yes, if you’re not ready to replace your lawn, LEAP offers eligible customers the option to upgrade their existing irrigation system with high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles. The upgrade will be done by a contractor. Customers may choose between upgrading their sprinkler system or replacing their lawn with California Friendly landscaping at the beginning of their application.

    Customers not eligible for LEAP but interested in a California Friendly landscape may qualify for LADWP’s $5 per square foot Turf Replacement Rebate, offered to all single-family residential customers. Pre-approval is required, and eligible customers can receive up to $25,000 in rebates depending on lawn size. In addition, LADWP offers many rebates and incentive programs to help customers make the changes and upgrades needed to help them make water conservation a way of life.  
     
  17. Will I be able to apply to other LADWP discount and/or rebate programs if I apply for LEAP?
    Yes, you can still apply to other LADWP discounts and/or rebate programs even if you applied for LEAP. However, if your turf was removed, irrigation replaced with high efficiency nozzles, installed a new weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC) and/or installed a Flume device as part of the LEAP, you will not qualify for these individual rebates. Please note that each LADWP discount and rebate program has its own eligibility criteria, and you must meet those eligibility criteria to qualify for that specific discount or program. More information regarding LADWP rebates and programs can be found at www.ladwp.com/save.
     
  18. Who do I contact with questions about the program? 
    Email us at [email protected]