Palo Alto property owners voted in April 2017 to approve a new Stormwater Management Fee that replaced the 2005 storm drain fee. This became effective June 1, 2017 and includes the Stormwater Measures Rebates Program, introduced in 2008, funded at a rate of $125,000 per year. The goal of this program is to improve the quality of stormwater runoff and reduce the amount that goes into the storm drain system.

The City of Palo Alto Storm Drain Utility is offering stormwater rebates to residents, businesses, and City departments. Buy and install a qualifying product and receive rebates on the following items:

Rain Barrels

Permeable Pavement

Cisterns

PLEASE NOTE: REBATES FOR GREEN ROOFS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

How to Apply

• Read the Terms and Conditions of the Palo Alto Stormwater Measures Rebate Program.
• Complete the Stormwater Rebate Application Form below.
  
  
• Step 1 - Design Review (not required for rain barrels)
  • Submit completed Application Form
  • Submit design plans and details to Public Works Watershed Protection. Cisterns, permeable pavements, and green roofs require design review and approval by Public Works Department staff prior to the start of work in order to be eligible for a rebate.
  • Secure City building permit, when required. Rain barrels or cisterns connected to a potable water or automatic irrigation system and green roofs require City building permits. Obtain any necessary permits or approvals through the City of Palo Alto Development Center. Please call (650) 329-2496 or visit the Development Center for permit requirements.
• Step 2 - Installation
  • Install eligible stormwater measure per approved design.
  • All eligible stormwater measures must be inspected by Public Works Department staff upon completion to ensure proper installation and functionality prior to issuance of a rebate.
  • Rain barrels or cisterns connected directly to a potable water or automatic irrigation systems and green roofs must be permitted, inspected and approved by the City Building Inspection Division prior to installation. Rain barrels or cisterns connected directly to a potable water or automatic irrigation system must be equipped with a certified backflow device.
• Step 3 - Final documentation
  • Submit proof of purchase and supporting documentation, including:
    • Completed Application Form
    • Supporting product information
    • Receipts for costs incurred
    • If applicable, City of Palo Alto building permit with final approval
  • Submit all documentation on online application form below.

Green Building Rating Systems

Installation of innovative stormwater measures may qualify for "points" under one of the green building rating systems specified in the City's Green Building Ordinance.  

• Build it Green -- for residential construction
  
• LEED -- for commercial construction

Forms and Helpful Resources

• Online Form for Stormwater Rebate Application (or if needed may be submitted by email/mail. Please keep a copy of all documents submitted, as they will not be returned to you: Print-out Form for Stormwater Rebate Application)
•  W-9 Form
• Stormwater Rebate Program Flyer
• Palo Alto Weekly Article - 9/26/08
• Utilities Department Rebates for Residential Energy and Water Saving Measures
• Utilities Department Rebates for Commercial Energy and Water Saving Measures
• Rainwater Harvesting Workshop Recordings, Fall 2019

Terms and Conditions

1. Rebates valid only on specified stormwater measures installed at a residence or business within the City of Palo Alto. Funding is on a first come, first served basis, or until funds are depleted.
2.  Rebates are limited to one rebate per stormwater measure per calendar year for each address.
3. Stormwater measures (except rain barrels) must be installed by a professional contractor licensed to perform work in the State of California.
4. The City of Palo Alto reserves the right to change, modify or reduce rebate levels, as well as add or drop specific eligible measures at any time without prior notice.
5. Applications must be approved prior to the start of the installation of eligible stormwater measures. Required supporting documentation must be postmarked and submitted no later than 90 days after the purchase/installation date of the eligible measure in order to receive a rebate.
6. Qualifying measures previously rebated under any other City of Palo Alto program are not eligible.
7. Failure to provide appropriate documentation will result in rebate ineligibility. The City of Palo Alto reserves the right to validate all information, including proof of purchase by a Palo Alto resident or business, and completeness and functionality of installation before issuing a rebate.
8. City of Palo Alto disclaims any and all liability from any property damage or loss that may arise as a result of the applicant's or contractor's participation in this program.
9. City of Palo Alto is not responsible for claims regarding rebate amounts, program dates or guidelines made by contractors, retailers or other third parties. Final determination of rebate eligibility will be governed by the Terms and Conditions.
10. City of Palo Alto is not responsible for items lost or delayed in the mail, nor any remittance delayed due to incorrect rebate applications. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned.
11. The Internal Revenue Service requires the City to issue an IRS Form 1099 (Miscellaneous Income) to rebate program participants receiving a total of $600 or more in storm water and/or water conservation rebates from the City. Rebates may be considered taxable income. Please consult with your tax accountant to determine what impact this may have on your tax situation. Applicants are required to fill out and submit the enclosed IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number) along with their rebate application. 

For additional information, call Watershed Protection at 650-329-2122 or e-mail us at cleanbay@cityofpaloalto.org

City of Palo Alto
Watershed Protection Group
2501 Embarcadero Way
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Attn: Stormwater Rebate