How to Get the Stormwater BMP Subsidy Program

What you get

Reimburses property owners 50% of the total project cost, with a reimbursement limit of $2,000, for rain gardens, native landscaping, soil-quality restoration, and streambank stabilization (rain barrels also eligible). City of Des Moines; last verified June 2026.

• Residential: 50% of total project cost, up to $2,000 per property owner

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Des Moines customer
• Property located in: Des Moines
• Property within the City of Des Moines
• Rain garden, native landscaping, soil-quality restoration, or streambank stabilization
• Reimbursement after project completion

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 Des Moines 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.