How to Get the Stormwater User Fee Credit (Individual Residential) Rebate

What you get

A flat 25% credit on the monthly stormwater user fee for single-family homeowners (and multifamily of 3 units or less) who install an approved rain garden, or another approved residential BMP (on-site storage or vegetated filter strip). For a rain garden, at least 50% of the property roof/impervious area must drain to it and it must be registered with the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability. Three-year renewable term; the credit cannot exceed 25% even if BMPs are combined. This is an ongoing bill credit, not a one-time cash rebate (City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Ongoing stormwater bill credit: flat 25% off the stormwater user fee

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works customer
• Property located in: Indianapolis
• Own and reside at a single-family home (or 3-unit-or-less multifamily) in Marion County
• Install an approved BMP: rain garden, on-site storage, or vegetated filter strip
• For a rain garden, at least 50% of roof/impervious area drains to it; registered with the Office of Sustainability
• Pre-approval/registration; 3-year renewable term

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 Indianapolis Department of Public Works 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.