How to Get the Stormwater Utility User Fee Credit (Residential GI/LID) Rebate

What you get

An ongoing credit on the bi-monthly stormwater user fee (not a one-time rebate): the City's Residential GI/LID Practices credit covers rain gardens, bioretention cells, and xeriscaping (removing or replacing at least 20% of existing lawn), crediting 20% off the fee for three years, renewable (City of Savannah Stormwater Utility User Fee Credit Manual, adopted January 22, 2026; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: 20% off the stormwater user fee for 3 years

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Savannah Water Resources customer
• Property located in: Savannah
• Detached single-family residential (DSFR) property in Savannah
• City-approved GI/LID practice installed (rain garden, bioretention cell, or xeriscaping removing/replacing at least 20% of existing lawn)
• Submit sketch or photo documentation; subject to City inspection

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 Savannah Water Resources 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.