How to Get the Rain Garden Cost Share Program

What you get

The City of Owatonna reimburses 50% of the cost of an approved residential rain garden, up to $500. The City provides a preliminary site visit, layout and plant selection help, and technical assistance. Homeowners may use a City-provided design or submit their own site plan with a plant layout. Reimbursement is paid by check after installation, a final site visit, and submission of receipts (City of Owatonna, Rain Garden Cost Share, last verified September 2026).

• Residential: 50% reimbursement up to $500

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Owatonna customer
• Property located in: Owatonna
• Garden installed on a residential property owned by the applicant within Owatonna city limits
• Request a preliminary site visit from the Stormwater Specialist to confirm the planting location
• Submit a reasonable cost estimate and a feasible design plan for approval before installing
• Final site visit approval, then submit all receipts for reimbursement
• Allow City staff to photograph the garden for educational purposes
• Maintain the garden for at least 5 years

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 Owatonna 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.