A stormwater measure is a feature of infrastructure or landscaping that diverts stormwater away from impermeable surfaces, like roadways and rooftops, and directs it toward permeable surfaces like gardens or stores it for irrigation.
Stormwater Rebates for Residents and Businesses
Save Money and Help Protect Local Creeks and San Francisco Bay!
The City of Palo Alto partners with Valley Water to offer stormwater rebates to residents and businesses in Palo Alto. Residents may receive up to $3,000 in rebates, and businesses up to $55,000, when meeting rebate program criteria. Rebates are offered for rain barrels, cisterns, pervious pavement and rain gardens. These features typically enhance the beauty and water-efficiency of your landscape, capture rainwater for future irrigation use, reduce moisture and ponding around building foundations, and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff that would otherwise enter creeks and San Francisco Bay.
| Rain Barrel | Cisterns | Pervious Pavement | Rain Gardens |
|---|---|---|---|
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Total Rebate Amount*:$70/barrel |
Total Rebate Amount*: $1.00/gallon |
Total Rebate Amount*: $1.50/square foot |
Total Rebate Amount*: $1/square foot of roof diverted up to $600 Size Requirement: Minimum of 100 sq ft diverted |
How to Get Started
STEP 1 – SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Review the four types of eligible stormwater measures, including their required specifications and select which feature(s) to apply for, and read the Terms and Conditions of the Stormwater Rebate Program.
- If you are applying for pervious pavement submit this Application Form to the City of Palo Alto– Watershed Protection at cleanbay@cityofpaloalto.org.
- If you are applying for a rain barrel, rain garden, or cistern rebate, create a Valley Water application portal account, complete the Stormwater Rebate Application in the portal and attach all required documents. Applicants who cannot access the online portal can receive a hard copy of the application by calling the Valley Water Conservation Hotline at (408) 630-2554, or emailing conservation@valleywater.org.
STEP 2 – APPLICATION APPROVAL
- Valley Water and Watershed Protection staff receive and review the application and attached documents, including the proposed design (if applicable). Applicants will be contacted to confirm that their application has been received, or if needed, to request additional information or to set up a pre-inspection.
- Some projects may require a permit to install. To inquire about permitting, please contact the Development Center at 650-329-2496 and select Option 3 for Building Plan Check Team when prompted.
- A “Notice to Proceed” will be issued from Valley Water prior to installation of your stormwater measure. For pervious pavement, a "Notice to Proceed" will be issued by the City.
STEP 3 – INSTALLATION
- Purchase and install approved stormwater measure per specifications on submitted application and program materials.
- Notify Valley Water through the application portal once your stormwater measure has been fully installed.
- The City of Palo Alto will inspect and approve the installation (single rain barrel installations do not require inspections).
STEP 4 – FINAL DOCUMENTATION
Receive rebate payment from Valley Water within 6-8 weeks of final approval. (For pervious pavement applications, payment will be sent from the City.)
For additional information, call Watershed Protection at 650-329-2122 or e-mail cleanbay@cityofpaloalto.org.
Additional Resources
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan The City has established a plan to gradually implement Green Stormwater Infrastructure measures into the urban landscape. The GSI Plan details that implementation.
- City of Palo Alto Water and Energy Rebates Curious about other rebates offered from the City? This page lists the Palo Alto’s various energy and water rebates.