The short answer: Raleigh properties inside city limits that pay stormwater fees may be eligible. As of July 1, 2026, the City says standard approved projects receive 90% cost sharing; qualifying underserved communities, nonprofits and places of worship may receive 100%. Request a consultation and secure approval before construction.
What the current program says
| Item | City guidance as of August 3, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Basic eligibility | Property is inside Raleigh city limits and pays stormwater fees. |
| Standard cost share | The City states that it pays 90% of approved project costs and the resident pays 10%. |
| Subsidy option | 100% cost share may be available for qualifying underserved communities, property and rental owners, nonprofits and places of worship. |
| Construction start | Begin only after the application is approved and the required agreement is complete. |
| Completion | The City says applicants have one year to complete an approved project. |
| Ongoing obligation | A five- or ten-year maintenance agreement and annual maintenance reports are required. |
Funding terms and eligibility can change. Confirm them on the City’s application page before relying on this guide. Cost share applies to approved scope and documented costs; it is not an automatic discount on work already completed.
Projects the program currently lists
- Rain gardens, with a soil infiltration test before applying.
- Cisterns.
- Downspout disconnection.
- Permeable pavement.
- Impervious-surface removal.
- Green roofs.
- Constructed wetlands.
The right option depends on the source and volume of runoff, soil, slope, utilities, space and maintenance capacity. A rain garden is not automatically appropriate for a slowly draining low spot, and permeable pavement requires a complete pavement and drainage design.
A homeowner’s application sequence
- Check the address. Use the eligibility tool on Raleigh’s Rainwater Rewards page.
- Request a consultation. City staff discuss the property and potential project, then arrange a site visit.
- Develop the project. Complete required testing and prepare the design, scope and cost information.
- Submit and wait for approval. Do not start construction while the application is pending.
- Complete the legal agreement. The City routes the approved agreement for signatures.
- Build and document. Keep invoices and construction photographs.
- Request final inspection. The City confirms the completed work before cost-share payment.
- Maintain and report. Submit the annual maintenance report for the agreed term.
How long approval can take
The City’s current process table estimates about two weeks for application approval up to $10,000, six weeks from $10,000.01 to $30,000 and ten weeks above $30,000. It separately estimates about four weeks for the legal agreement, one week for final inspection and three weeks for reimbursement. Construction time varies. Treat these as program estimates, not guaranteed dates.
Questions to answer before applying
- Which roof, driveway or walk is producing the runoff?
- Where does that water go now, and what is downstream?
- What testing and professional design will this project require?
- Which line items are eligible for cost share?
- Who will maintain inlets, plants, sediment, pavement joints or cistern equipment?
- Can the project remain functional for the full agreement term?
Raleigh stormwater landscapes
Start with the site and the City’s process.
Garden & Art can help evaluate how a rain garden or related landscape project fits the property; program eligibility and funding decisions remain with the City of Raleigh.
Explore drainage and rain gardens