Rain gardens and stormwater projects · Iowa

Des Moines Stormwater BMP Subsidy Program

Run by City of Des Moines Public Works (Clean Water Program)

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Reimburses 50% of reasonable materials and labor, up to $2,000 per property
Maximum
$2,000 per household
Who qualifies
Des Moines property owners whose stormwater management fee account is current.
Where
Des Moines property owners with a current stormwater fee account.
Status
Open. Applications must be received by 2028-06-01; eligibility expires 2028-06-30.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install a rain barrel, rain garden, soil quality restoration, native landscaping or streambank stabilization on your property after the city pre-approves it.

Requirements

  • Work cannot start until the city pre-approves the application
  • Practice must meet the Iowa Storm Water Management Manual or other design guidance approved by Public Works
  • Practices required for subdivisions or new development are not eligible
  • Practices funded by other City sources are not eligible
  • A property that got the maximum cannot receive another subsidy for 10 years
  • Bioretention cells and permeable pavers are described on the page but not in the five listed work types; confirm with the city
  • Keep receipts or itemized contractor invoice, proof of payment, W-9, photos of completed project

The plan or design it asks for

Detailed project description (with maps if needed) and a project estimate, submitted with the application before approval. Free site evaluations available.

Native plant lists for the area: Des Moines

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 City of Des Moines's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Complete the Stormwater BMP Subsidy Application (use the newest form revision)
  2. 2Attach a detailed project description, maps if needed, and a project estimate
  3. 3Mail to 1700 Maury St., Des Moines, IA 50317 Attn: Clean Water Program, or email [email protected]
  4. 4Wait for pre-approval, then do the work
  5. 5Submit receipts or itemized invoice, proof of payment, W-9 and photos of the completed project

Timing and deadlines

Check typically 3-5 weeks after approval/submission of completion documents

Applications received by June 1, 2028

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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