How to Get the Residential Stormwater Credit Rebate
City of Minneapolis Stormwater Utility · Hennepin County, Minnesota, MN
Yes. The City of Minneapolis discounts your monthly stormwater utility fee by up to 45 percent in a designated Green Zone, or up to 35 percent elsewhere, when you treat your runoff with a rain garden or similar practice (City of Minneapolis, last verified June 2026).
What you get
An ongoing monthly credit on the stormwater utility fee (not a one-time rebate): up to 45% for properties in a designated Green Zone and up to 35% elsewhere, for treating runoff from your impervious areas with a practice such as a rain garden (also pervious pavement, green roofs, stormwater reuse; rain barrels alone do not qualify). Apply May 1 to October 1 (City of Minneapolis; last verified June 2026).
- Residential: Up to 45% (Green Zone) / 35% (elsewhere) off the monthly stormwater fee
How much is the Minneapolis stormwater credit?
The credit is a flat percentage off your monthly residential stormwater utility fee, set by location: up to 45 percent if your property is in a designated Green Zone and up to 35 percent everywhere else in the city. It applies for as long as your practice keeps working (City of Minneapolis Surface Water and Sewers, last verified June 2026).
- Up to 45 percent off in a designated Green Zone
- Up to 35 percent off elsewhere in Minneapolis
- Discount repeats every month
Who qualifies for the Minneapolis credit?
You qualify if your property is in the City of Minneapolis and you install a qualifying stormwater practice on your own property that manages runoff from your impervious surfaces. The credit is applied to that property's stormwater utility account (City of Minneapolis, last verified June 2026).
What landscaping qualifies?
Qualifying practices include a rain garden, pervious or permeable pavement, a green roof, or a stormwater reuse system, each built to the City's Best Management Practices standards. Rain barrels on their own do not qualify. A rain garden is the usual choice for a yard, and deep-rooted native plants are what make it function, since they open the soil for drainage and handle wet and dry spells.
- Rain garden built to City BMP standards
- Pervious or permeable pavement
- Green roof or stormwater reuse system
- Rain barrels alone do not qualify
Is the Minneapolis credit still active in 2026?
Yes. The program is active as of our last check in June 2026. Applications are accepted during the season, from May 1 to October 1. Once a residential credit is approved it stays in place with no periodic recertification, and it ends only if the property changes hands or the practice stops working (City of Minneapolis, last verified June 2026).
Can you earn it and keep your HOA happy?
A rain garden can be designed to read as an intentional, tidy bed rather than a wild patch, which is what most HOA-conscious homeowners are after. Keep a clean edge, a defined shape, and a deliberate plant palette. Check your own governing documents before you start, since rules vary.
At a glance
| Credit | Up to 45% (Green Zone) or 35% (elsewhere) off the monthly stormwater fee |
| Applies to | Your monthly Minneapolis stormwater utility fee |
| Who qualifies | Minneapolis property owners with a qualifying practice |
| Apply window | May 1 to October 1 |
| Renewal | None for residential credits |
| Status | Active (verified June 2026) |
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
Recurring stormwater-fee credit, not a one-time cash rebate.
How to apply
Confirm the current details on the official program page before you start, since terms can change.
- 1
Build a qualifying practice
Install a rain garden or other qualifying practice to the City's Best Management Practices standards.
- 2
Apply during the season
Submit the residential stormwater credit application between May 1 and October 1 using the form on the City's residential stormwater credits page.
- 3
City review and inspection
City staff review your application and verify the installed practice.
- 4
Credit appears on your bill
Once approved, the discount is applied to your monthly stormwater utility bill. Residential credits do not require recertification.
Common questions
Do rain barrels qualify for the Minneapolis credit?+
Not on their own. The credit requires a practice that treats runoff, such as a rain garden, pervious pavement, green roof, or stormwater reuse system built to City standards. A rain barrel by itself does not qualify.
Is there a deadline to apply each year?+
Yes. The City accepts residential stormwater credit applications from May 1 to October 1. The City may extend the window for weather.
Do I have to reapply to keep the credit?+
No. Residential credits do not require periodic recertification. The credit stays in place until the property changes owners or the practice stops working.
We compile these programs from utility and city pages, and not every amount here has been independently confirmed. Program details also change throughout the year. Always verify requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with your water utility before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.