Requirements
What Are The Requirements?
Rain Garden Project Guidelines
Homeowners Agreement
Property Maintenance Requirements
Applicants must complete the following to be eligible for reimbursement:
- Submit application
- Initial site assessment
- Submit the following items:
- Percolation test
- Planting plan, species list, & rain garden diagram
- Signed Homeowners Agreement
- Itemized receipts
- Subgrade inspection
- Final inspection
Workshop Opportunities
Apply to host a Rain Garden workshop. These workshops educate the community on how rain gardens function and the environmental benefits they provide. Hosts can receive volunteer assistance, on-site guidance from RainSmart experts, and lunch provided by the City. Workshop opportunities include plant installation or seasonal maintenance.
Helpful Resources
FAQ
Is a rain garden right for my yard?
- While rain gardens are a great way to infiltrate stormwater and support our local pollinators and ecosystem, they are not suitable for all yards and cannot solve all stormwater-related issues.
- Because the underlying soil determines the infiltration rate of water, a spot in your yard that does not infiltrate water well currently will not infiltrate better as a rain garden. Conduct a percolation test to determine if your soil type is suitable.
- Rain gardens must be planted 10 feet from your home’s foundation and 25 feet from any septic tanks or wellheads. Consider the size of your yard and area you’d like to plant the rain garden when deciding if this project is right for you.
Rain gardens perform best on a mostly flat grade. If infiltration or erosion needs to be addressed on a steep slope on your property, instead consider our SupportScapes program.
What kind of maintenance does a rain garden require?
Rain gardens are planted with native plants, which require minimal maintenance. Supplemental watering is needed as the plants become fully established. Fertilization is unnecessary, as native plants are adapted to local soils and absorb excess nutrients. Regular weeding, pruning, and mulching as needed will help keep your rain garden healthy and happy!
Will my rain garden have standing water? What about mosquitoes?
Rain gardens are designed to easily infiltrate water and will not hold standing water for long periods of time. Mosquitoes need standing water for 5-12 days in order to breed and complete their life cycle. Rain gardens may even help prevent mosquito populations by infiltrating water into the ground quicker than turf grass or bare soil, and rain gardens can attract beneficial insects who feed on mosquitoes.