How to Get the Stormwater BMP Cost-Share Program

What you get

Reimburses 50% of qualifying expenses, up to $2,000 per project, for rain gardens, native landscaping, and stormwater infiltration BMPs that conform to the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual and/or the Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation Manual. Pre-approval required before work begins; reimbursement after completion and a City inspection (City of Cedar Rapids; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 50% of qualifying expenses, up to $2,000 per project

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Cedar Rapids customer
• Property located in: Cedar Rapids
• Property within the City of Cedar Rapids
• Rain garden, native landscaping, or stormwater infiltration BMP per the Iowa manuals
• Pre-approval before work begins (EZ Application, design checklist, scaled plan, cost estimate)
• Reimbursement only after completion and City inspection

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of Cedar Rapids and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.