Stormwater fee credits · California

SFPUC Stormwater Credit Program

Run by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Ongoing monthly credit on the stormwater charge, max 90% off. Simplified residential rate (parcels 6,000 sq ft or less, 6 units or less) uses flat tiers; FY2025-26 examples: ground-level 100-200 sq ft drained in Tier 1 = $1.24/month (15% of charge), more than 600 sq ft roof drained in Tier 3 = $11.56/month (60%). FY2026-27 rates not published in the guidebook.
Who qualifies
SFPUC customers who pay a stormwater charge and build green infrastructure meeting SFPUC sizing (captures runoff from 90th percentile storm, 0.75 in). Applicants may apply for the customer with permission.
Where
SFPUC customers in San Francisco who pay a stormwater charge and build green infrastructure.
Status
Open. Guidebook dated July 2023; current-year rate tables only through June 30, 2026.
Type of payment
Fee credit
Official program page

What you do

Build green infrastructure (rain garden, permeable pavement, cistern, infiltration trench, green roof) that captures runoff from your roof or paved areas, then apply for a credit on your stormwater charge.

Requirements

  • Minimum impermeable drainage area: Tier 1 100 sq ft, Tier 2 200 sq ft, Tier 3 300 sq ft; standard rate 1,000 sq ft
  • Facility sized for 90th-percentile storm using SFPUC sizing calculators
  • Lawns and flower gardens do not count
  • Annual self-certification due October 15 or credit is removed
  • Agree to SFPUC inspections; keep facility in working order
  • Credit stays with the property if ownership changes
  • Photos taken within past 3 months

The plan or design it asks for

Attach green infrastructure plans showing locations and drainage management areas, plus sizing calculator results. Standard-rate (large) properties need plans stamped by an engineer or landscape architect.

Native plant lists for the area: San Francisco

Make the plan in Sow

Draw the layout and build the plant list

Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check SFPUC's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Look up your property and account at the Stormwater Charge Lookup website (stormwater.sfpuc.org)
  2. 2Build qualifying green infrastructure to SFPUC standards
  3. 3Apply online, or print the form or pick it up at 525 Golden Gate Ave (1st floor) and mail to Stormwater Credit Program, 11th Floor, 525 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
  4. 4Provide account number, GI details (areas, type), plans, sizing proof and photos
  5. 5Save your application number
  6. 6Submit annual self-certification by October 15

Timing and deadlines

not published

Combining it with other programs

Rain barrel/cistern rebate applicants can add a simple diagram to get this credit too; separate SFPUC grants can fund construction

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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