Rancho Santa Fe residents and farmers can apply for vouchers covering up to half the cost of electric landscaping, construction and agricultural equipment through a San Diego County program accepting applications through Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The county's Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program opened its second application window Oct. 19, according to the county's sustainability office. Approved applicants receive a point-of-sale discount at two participating retailers.

The program targets unincorporated areas of San Diego County, which includes Rancho Santa Fe. Residents, small-business owners and agricultural producers who live or operate in those areas can apply.

What's covered

Eligible equipment spans light-duty tools like handheld leaf blowers, trimmers, edgers, chainsaws and push mowers, plus heavy-duty items including zero-turn mowers, utility vehicles and an E-Ox Electrical Wheel Hoe. The second window added utility vehicles and the wheel hoe to the eligible list.

Light-duty equipment vouchers max out at $400 or 50% off, whichever is less. Heavy-duty vouchers go up to $10,000 or 50% off, whichever is less. Vouchers can also cover a compatible battery or charger purchased with the equipment.

How to apply

The county limits applicants to one application per address per window. Anyone who received a voucher during the first window cannot apply again.

Applicants do not need to submit proof of residence or income upfront. If selected, county staff will request documentation by email. Small businesses, income-qualified households and historically underserved agricultural producers receive priority consideration in the scoring process.

Applying does not guarantee a voucher. The county awards them based on available funding and application scores, with ties broken by submission order.

To check whether an address qualifies, the county provides an online eligibility map on its program page. Applicants will need the equipment's name, model number, article number and price when filling out the form.

Where to redeem

Selected applicants redeem vouchers in person at one of two retailers:

  • Oceanside Ace Hardware, with locations at 263 S. Coast Highway and 4181 Oceanside Blvd. in Oceanside, (442) 464-8566
  • Powerland Equipment Inc., 27943 Valley Center Road in Valley Center, (760) 749-1271

Vouchers cannot be used online. Recipients pay any remaining balance and sales tax at checkout.

For questions, applicants can email county staff member Jessica Audelo at [email protected]. The application and full equipment list are available on the county's program page.

Upcoming

  • Tuesday, Dec. 1: Deadline to apply for the county's Zero-Emission Equipment Voucher Program. Details at sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sustainability/projects/evp.html.