How to Get the Stormwater Cost-Share: Rain Gardens Rebate

What you get

Reimburses half of a practice total cost, up to a maximum of $3,000, for residential rain gardens planted with native vegetation. Reimbursement is first-come, first-served; the application must include the Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation Guide checklist (City of Iowa City; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 50% of total cost, up to $3,000

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Iowa City customer
• Property located in: Iowa City
• Property within the City of Iowa City
• Rain garden with native vegetation per the Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation Guide
• Submit the Storm Water Cost-Share Application with the design checklist

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 Iowa City 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.