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Meramec Funding Sources

Development and Stormwater Incentives

Development and Stormwater Incentives

Aug. 1, 2019
By WSU EFC

Story summary:

  • A stormwater incentive program is a tool for communities to encourage developers, homeowners, businesses, etc. to incorporate stormwater best practices into new developments or redevelopments in order to meet runoff or pollutant reduction goals.

Quick Facts

Community Mission
When implementing a development incentives program be sure to show your community how this fee helps you meet your community’s mission 

Eligibility
Developers, Property owners, Homeowners, Business Owners, MORE

Benefits
Potential for large increase in installation of projects that reduce stormwater runoff

Only paying for or reducing fees for completed projects

Benefits in stormwater reduction likely to outweigh the cost of program

Drawbacks
Time and effort to develop and manage the program

Potential loss of revenue due to rebates or waived fees

About

Development and Stormwater Incentives are one-time financial, or other, incentives that’s goal is to increase the voluntary implementation of stormwater runoff reduction practices on new development or redevelopment.

Typically, development incentives are financial (fee discounts), but they can be other types of incentives too. For example: reduced permitting fees, reduced permitting times, tax credits, zoning exceptions, grants, recognition, rebate or get creative and include incentives specific to your community.

Depending on the community’s needs and goals, the incentives could incentivize the installation of all types of development or projects. Or, target specific types of development, locations, or practices by only incentivizing projects that meet the target goals. Incentivizing best practices can increase the number of practices installed.

When developing a development incentive program, be sure to include stakeholders (local agencies, developers, public, permitting department, city clerk, etc.) in the creation of the program in order to ensure buy-in and future participation because they were able to provide input.

 Project Examples

Chicago, ILGreen Permit Incentives

The City of Chicago encourages sustainable building design, construction and renovation through their Green Permit Incentives program. By including green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and other “green” practices expedited permit processing, potential reduction in permit fees, and a priority review process to qualifying projects.

Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia's Fast Track Permitting Program

A project with 95% or more of impervious area disconnected from the stormwater system can qualify for a “fast track review process.” The stormwater management section review will be completed within 5 days, which provides time and cost savings. At no cost to the City incentive offering to the city, but provides big savings for the developer. More Info

Washington DCRiverSmart Homes

Incentive program for homeowners who reduce stormwater runoff from their properties. The DC Department of Energy and Environment provides a free home audit that determines program eligibility. The incentives come in the form of “copayments” on project installations. Projects could be rain barrels ($50 or $70, limit 2), shade tree planting ($50/tree), rain gardens ($75/50sqft, limit 2), native plant garden ($100/120sqft, limit 2) or impervious surface replacement ($10/sqft for vegetation or $5/sqft for permeable pavers). More Info

Seattle, WARainWise Rebates

Homeowners in targeted areas eligible for rebates if they hire a trained RainWise contractor to install a rain garden or cistern. More Info

More Info/Resources

Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.
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