What this project looks like
Rain gardens, bioswales, and other planted runoff features are commonly supported by local programs. The eligible project must manage water from a defined surface and follow the local design. A low spot filled with plants is not automatically an approved rain garden.
Common project routes include:
- Create a shallow planted basin that receives roof or driveway runoff.
- Build an engineered bioretention area with specified media and drainage.
- Install a bioswale that slows and conveys water safely.
- Combine downspout disconnection, soil work, plants, and overflow into a residential stormwater project.
A local program can define the same everyday project differently. Treat its approved plan, drawings, specifications, and written decision as the rule for that property.
Who and where usually qualify
Eligibility is local. A mailing address inside a city does not necessarily mean the property receives service from the city program.
- The property is in the sponsoring stormwater or sewer service area.
- The selected location can receive runoff without threatening foundations, slopes, wells, or septic systems.
- The project meets area, drainage, soil, and setback requirements.
- The applicant accepts inspection and maintenance duties.
Use the map and state directory to find candidates, then confirm the address on the administering agency’s site or with program staff. The map shows directory coverage, not a guarantee of eligibility or available funding.
What the work may involve
- A defined inlet or runoff source
- Excavated basin, grading, or berms
- Approved planting or bioretention soil
- Native or approved plants and mulch
- Stone, underdrain, observation well, or overflow when the design requires them
This is a project list, not a shopping list. A component can be required, merely allowed, or reimbursable. Those three meanings are different and should be labeled on every program page.
How programs may provide help
Support may be a rebate, cost share, grant, bill credit, free assessment, or contractor-led installation. The label matters because it changes who designs the system, who pays first, and how the benefit is delivered.
Compare the benefit mechanism before comparing headline amounts. Ask who pays first, what proof is required, when the benefit arrives, whether it is a check or account credit, and what happens if the final cost is higher than expected.
Before you start
Stop and check: Get the site checked before excavation. Soil infiltration, utilities, drainage direction, setbacks, and safe overflow are design facts—not finishing details. If the program requires an approved plan, follow its dimensions and materials rather than a generic online diagram.
A safe sequence is:
- Confirm the address, account, applicant, and property type.
- Read the current program page and application—not an old PDF or third-party summary.
- Document existing conditions with dated photos and measurements.
- Submit the required concept, plan, quote, or application.
- Wait for the written approval, contract, or notice to proceed.
- Complete the approved scope and preserve changes in writing.
- Save itemized invoices, proof of payment, product details, and after photos.
- Request the final inspection or submit the completion package.
Programs to check
Atlanta Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure.
Cash benefit: none. Required retention: first 1.0 inch of runoff on site.
Austin Water WaterWise Rainscape Rebate
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
Base: $0.50 per square foot. Turf removal bonus: additional $0.50 per square foot when applicable.
Burlington Blue BTV Residential Stormwater Program
The program may support one of these project types: Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
2026 site maximum: $2,000.00. Linked chart permeable pavers: up to $2,000.00. Linked chart rain garden or bioretention: up to $1,500.00. Linked chart infiltration trench or dry well: up to $1,500.00.
Cash for Grass Lawn Replacement Program
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
Standard: $2.18 per square foot. Best practices: $3.68 per square foot. Best practices with disconnected downspout: $4.68 per square foot.
Chattanooga RainSmart Reward Rebates
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
Current program marketing: up to $5,000.00. Rain barrel: $50.00 each. Fetched 2023 rain garden agreement: $5.00 per sqft construction plus $1.25 per sqft materials subject to $1,000.00 cap.
Clean River Rewards
Use an on-site facility to manage runoff from roof or pavement, then register it.
Up to 35% of the total stormwater charge.
DeKalb County Stormwater Utility Credit Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
Maximum credit: 40%. Credit components: four 10% performance credits. 2025 single ERU annual fee: $120.00. Implied single ERU maximum annual savings: $48.00.
Delaware Community Conservation Assistance Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
The official sources do not publish one simple amount.
Detroit Residential Green Credit
No new project is required; this is an automatic credit on eligible residential bills.
25% of the residential drainage charge.
Individual Residential Property Stormwater Fee Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
Individual residential credit: 25% of stormwater fee.
LADWP Turf Replacement Rebate
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
Residential: $5.00 per square foot. Residential components: LADWP $3.00 plus MWD $2.00. Commercial multifamily: $6.00 per square foot first 50000 then $4.00. Public agency: $7.00 per square foot first 200000 then $4.00.
Lancaster Stormwater Management Fee Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
Up to 50% of stormwater management fee.
Lawn Conversion Rebate
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
Standard: $1.00 per square foot. Super: $2.00 per square foot. Commercial median strip: $2.00 per square foot. Landscape design assistance: $200.00.
MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure.
Residential: up to $4,000.00. Institutional and nonresidential: up to $10,000.00 effective October 1 2025.
Olathe Stormwater Cost Share Reimbursement Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard, or Stabilize a Streambank, Shoreline, Slope, or Eroding Area.
Match: 50% of eligible material equipment and labor cost. Rain garden bioswale stream buffer native planting: up to $1,000.00. Rain barrel: up to $75.00 each. Compost bin: up to $75.00.
Peconic Estuary Partnership Homeowner Rewards Program
The program may support one of these project types: Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Native or rain garden: up to $500.00 for native plants only. Rain barrel: up to $100.00 each or actual cost.
Philadelphia Water Department Rain Check
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Rain garden: $22.00 per square foot up to $2,500.00. Permeable pavers: $20.00 per square foot up to $2,500.00. Metal downspout planter: $1,100.00 subsidy with $100.00 participant payment. Rain barrel: free 55 gallon barrel approximately $175.00 value.
Pittsburgh Water Stormwater Credit Program
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Residential stormwater control: reduction to next lower residential tier. Tier 1 property: 50% fee reduction. Rain barrel: $40.00 one time bill credit. 2026 monthly tiers: tier 1: $5.75. Tier 2: $11.50. Tier 3: $22.99.
Prince George's County Rain Check Rebate
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Pavement removal: $6.00 per square foot. Permeable pavement: $12.00 per square foot. Rain garden: $10.00 per square foot. Conservation landscaping: $5.00 per square foot.
RainScapes Rewards Rebates
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Pavement removal: 3 to $7.00 per square foot. Other practices: varies by practice and actual cost.
RainWise Rebate Program
Install an approved rain garden or cistern that manages enough roof runoff.
Rain gardens use $13.12 per approved square foot of roof managed; confirm the current cistern rate.
Raleigh Rainwater Rewards
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure.
Standard cost share: 90% of eligible cost. Qualified subsidy: up to 100%. Permeable pavement basis: 90% of incremental cost over traditional pavement.
Residential Green Infrastructure
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
The official sources do not publish one simple amount.
Residential Stormwater Utility Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Standard: 35% stormwater credit. Green zone: 45% stormwater credit.
Resilient NYC Partners
The program may support one of these project types: Install a Green Roof or Large-Site Green Infrastructure, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern.
Property owner cost: city funds eligible design and construction. Exact cap: not published.
Savannah Residential GI/LID Stormwater User Fee Credit
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
20% off stormwater user fee.
SoCal WaterSmart Turf Replacement Program
The program may support one of these project types: Replace a Lawn With a Water-Wise Yard or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
$2 per square foot.
Yard Smart Rain Rewards
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Stormwater managed: $7.50 per square foot of impervious area managed. Single family contractor: 75% up to cap. Single family DIY: 100% up to cap. Other property: 75% up to cap. Nonprofit: 100% up to cap.
Oakland County RainSmart Rebates
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard or Improve Soil, Add Compost or Mulch, or Build Garden Beds.
Rain garden: $6.00 per square foot. Rain barrel: $125.00 each. Tree: $250.00 each.
Boston Sunflower Beautification Grant
The program may support one of these project types: Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, or Improve Soil, Add Compost or Mulch, or Build Garden Beds.
5000 to $9,999.00 per organization.
Cost-Share Drainage Assistance Program
The program may support one of these project types: Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
Cost share: 50% of eligible cost.
Front Yard Initiative
The program may support one of these project types: Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio or Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard.
$2.50 per square foot of impervious paving removed.
Oahu Rainwater Solutions
The program may support one of these project types: Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, Capture Rainwater in a Barrel or Cistern, or Create a Native, Pollinator, or Conservation Yard.
Free approved installation.
Sarasota County RainCheck
The program may support one of these project types: Replace Pavement or Build a Permeable Driveway or Patio, Build a Rain Garden, Bioswale, or Runoff-Management Yard, or Fix Yard Drainage and Reduce Flood or Sewer-Backup Risk.
Impervious replacement: $5.00 per square foot. Rain garden or bioswale: up to $500.00. Downspout planter: up to $1,000.00. Modified downspout: up to $50.00. Alternative bmp: up to $5,000.00.
Questions to ask before committing money
- Which surface will drain to the project?
- Is an infiltration test or soil evaluation required?
- How is the required storage area calculated?
- Is an underdrain needed or allowed?
- Which soil mix, mulch, plants, and stone are specified?
- Where does water go when the feature fills?
Get important answers in writing. If a contractor or supplier says a substitution is “basically the same,” ask the program to approve the exact change before installation.
FAQs
Is every rain garden an engineered bioretention system?
No. EPA distinguishes simpler rain gardens from more engineered bioretention. Your local program may use the terms differently, so follow its standard.
Does gravel qualify?
Only when it serves an approved design role, such as drainage, energy dissipation, or an underdrain layer. Decorative rock alone is not the project.
Can I build it myself?
Some programs allow DIY work; others require an approved contractor or agency-led design.
Does the program pay Hello Gravel directly?
Usually not. Most programs approve and pay for a completed property project using their own process. If the approved design requires aggregate, soil, sand, fill, mulch, or another bulk material, Hello Gravel can help the customer source the correct material after the specification and approval are clear.
Related guides
- bioretention soil vs garden soil (specialist review pending)
- washed vs unwashed stone (specialist review pending)
- photos plans measurements and inspections
Official sources
Use the official sources below to confirm current rules and availability.
- https://dnrec.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/chesapeake/decap/
- https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Watershed/Chesapeake/DeCAP-Program-Summary.pdf
- https://www.atlantawatershed.org/stormwaterordinance-2/
- https://www.atlantawatershed.org/greeninfrastructure/
- https://www.atlantawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Green-Infrastructure-in-Atlanta-A-Self-Guided-Tour.pdf
- https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/public-works/roads-and-drainage/stormwater-management
- https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/sites/default/files/user18/StormwaterUtilityCreditManual.pdf
- https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/natural-resources/georgia-stormwater-management-manual/
- https://www.olatheks.gov/government/public-works/stormwater-management/stormwater-cost-sharing
- https://www.urbanconservancy.org/project/residential-green-infrastructure/
- https://www.urbanconservancy.org/2026/04/20/fyi-update-april-20-2026/
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/department-environmental-protection/property-care/rainscapes
- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/department-environmental-protection/property-care/rainscapes/rainscapes-rewards-rebate-application-guide