How to Get the RainSmart Yards Stormwater Fee Discount Rebate

What you get

An ongoing annual discount on the water-quality (stormwater) fee (not a one-time rebate): 25% Bronze, 50% Silver, or 75% Gold based on a WaterWays yard certification that scores green infrastructure, native plantings, rain gardens, and reduced impervious surface. Designed for individual homeowners in the City of Chattanooga; annual recertification. Distinct from the Chattanooga RainSmart one-time rebate already in the directory (City of Chattanooga / WaterWays; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 25% / 50% / 75% off the water quality fee (Bronze/Silver/Gold)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Chattanooga (WaterWays) customer
• Property located in: Chattanooga
• Individual homeowner in the City of Chattanooga (water quality fee area)
• In-person WaterWays yard evaluation; rain gardens / native plantings
• Sign a Stormwater Discount Agreement; recertify annually

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 Chattanooga (WaterWays) 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.