How to Get the Stormwater Fee Credit (Rain Garden) Rebate

What you get

An ongoing credit on the stormwater utility fee (NOT a one-time cash rebate): up to a 25% fee reduction for building a rain garden of at least 100 square feet that meets the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook design requirements, with total credits per property capped at 50% of the stormwater fee. Open to all small residential (1-3 family) properties; the credit continues as long as the rain garden is maintained (City of Northampton DPW, Stormwater & Flood Control Utility; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to 25% off the stormwater fee per rain garden (50% total cap)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Northampton (Stormwater & Flood Control Utility) customer
• Property located in: Northampton, Florence, Leeds
• Small residential (1-3 family) property in Northampton
• Rain garden minimum 100 sq ft per the MA Stormwater Handbook
• Ongoing maintenance to keep the credit

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 Northampton (Stormwater & Flood Control Utility) 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.