Landscaping for Water Quality Rebates

Process

Once you have an idea for a project, the City recommends you schedule a site visit prior to applying for the rebate. Contact the City's water resources coordinator to request a visit.
To be eligible for a rebate, a project must first receive approval of a Vegetation Management Plan Permit. Work started or completed prior to Vegetation Management Plan approval is not eligible.
Whether the project is eligible for a rebate will be determined during the Vegetation Management Plan review.

Rebate Amount

Residential property: 80% of pretax cost up to a maximum of $2,000
Commercial, institutional or homeowner association (HOA) property: 80% of pretax cost up to a maximum of $5,000
Receipt of another rebate or grant may affect amount allowed under this program
Payment issued when project is completed
Funding is limited; available on first-come, first-served basis

Rebate Eligibility

Eligible projects include shoreline buffers, rain gardens or pollinator gardens designed and constructed to treat stormwater runoff
Invasive species removal as part of a larger water quality-related landscaping project; considered on case-by-case basis
Non-delinquent water/sewer utility account
Project installed at address listed on account

Contact the City's water resources coordinator with questions regarding water conservation rebate programs.

Guidelines

Plans must be approved by City prior to construction
Must commit to maintaining project for minimum of 5 years
Project within right of way requires signed agreement with City engineer
Project must start and be completed within one year
City staff must inspect project area before and after installation
At least 75% of vegetation planted must be native species identified by University of MN Bee Lab or Blue Thumb
Must be completed in accordance with City Code Section 9.71 on native landscaping
Applicant must secure all permits necessary for project
Information regarding other grants or rebates must be provided

Needed Documentation

Vegetation Management Plan Permit
Drawing of project area in relation to the property, including dimensions (size and percent) and utility locations
Brief description of project goals, including:
- Project partners, if any
- List of proposed plants (common and scientific)
- Soil test results (nutrients and/or infiltration rate)
- Proposed soil improvements, if needed
- Design assistance used to develop plan
- Planned use of irrigation, if any
- Phases or constraints for the proposed work that may go over one year (must be preapproved)
Itemized invoices and/or receipts upon project completion of project, including all grant approval documentation

Rain Gardens

Shoreline Restoration

Natural vegetative buffers create healthy shorelines that filter pollutants from runoff, prevent erosion and create habitat for fish, birds, butterflies, turtles and frogs.

Keep the following in mind when planning a shoreline restoration project:

Approvals
Your project may need further approval from the watershed district in which you live. The project may also be bound by specific rules as a result of being within a shoreland, bluff, easement, right of way or City property.

Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Permits

Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Permits

Grants
Your project may be eligible for a grant from your watershed district.

Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District Grants

Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Grants

Herbicides
If you are planning on using herbicides to treat invasive species or unwanted vegetation, only use water-safe herbicides or methods to prevent the herbicide from treating more than the intended area.

Structures
Consider removing unused structures such as sheds, docks and lifts or combining multiple structures to minimize the amount of impervious surface.

City of Eden Prairie