Water pooling in the yard or creeping toward your foundation can feel overwhelming, especially when you are planning to sell. You are not alone, and you may not have to tackle it all out of pocket. Many municipalities in the St. Louis region use 50/50 reimbursable stormwater grants to help homeowners pay for small drainage fixes. In this guide, you will learn how these grants typically work in Town and Country, the kinds of projects they often cover, when larger City-led solutions apply, and how to time improvements with a future sale. Let’s dive in.
What a 50/50 grant is
A 50/50 stormwater grant is a cost-share program that helps fund small-scale drainage improvements on private property. In a typical model, the City pre-approves your project, you pay the contractor, and after a final inspection and paperwork, you receive reimbursement for an approved share of costs. Many programs cap awards per property and focus on drainage fixes that reduce runoff and protect structures. Always confirm current rules, funding availability, and caps with Town and Country Public Works before you start work.
Who is usually eligible
Most programs prioritize owner-occupied residential properties within City limits that are in good standing. You can expect to need proof of ownership, a description of the problem, a proposed scope or plan, and before photos. Pre-approval is almost always required, and work started before approval is commonly ineligible for reimbursement. If you have code violations or unpaid municipal fees, you may need to resolve those first.
Fixes these grants often cover
Programs like this usually fund small, practical solutions that improve infiltration or redirect water away from your home. Typical residential projects and planning-level costs include:
- Rain gardens or small bioretention areas: about $1,500 to $8,000 depending on size and soil work.
- Downspout disconnection and routing to infiltration features: roughly $200 to $2,000.
- French drains or subsurface curtain drains for soggy spots: about $2,000 to $8,000.
- Dry wells or infiltration trenches: around $1,000 to $6,000.
- Permeable pavers for drive or patio retrofit: often $8,000 to $30,000.
- Minor grading to keep water away from foundations: around $500 to $3,000.
- Gutter repairs or guards if they support stormwater mitigation: about $300 to $2,000.
These figures are planning estimates. Always get local bids and confirm City specifications for eligible materials and plantings. Work in the public right-of-way, major storm sewer replacements, or fixes that benefit multiple properties typically fall outside a residential grant and move into City or County capital project processes.
How the process works
Step 0: Early planning
Start with a short call to Town and Country Public Works to describe your drainage issue. Ask about current program availability, eligibility, and what documents you need. This early check helps you avoid ineligible work and sets expectations for timing.
Step 1: Application and pre-approval
You will usually submit an application with a site sketch, before photos, and a contractor estimate or scope. City staff review your plan and may request changes to match local stormwater specifications. Pre-approval can take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on workload and funding windows.
Step 2: Construction
After approval, hire your contractor and complete the work. Smaller projects can wrap in a few days, while more involved installs may take several weeks. Keep all invoices and take after photos.
Step 3: Final inspection and documentation
City staff verify the installation meets the approved scope. You submit paid invoices and any required forms. This step often takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Step 4: Reimbursement
Once paperwork is verified, the City issues reimbursement, commonly within 2 to 8 weeks. Processing times vary by fiscal year and workload. Expect to maintain the installed feature for a set period and keep records for your files.
Time your project with a future sale
If you want the work finished and reimbursed before listing, start 3 to 4 months ahead of your target market date. That lead time covers application, construction, inspection, and reimbursement. If the reimbursement might arrive after closing, document the approval, final inspection, and expected reimbursement, then work with your agent and title company on disclosures and any assignment options the City allows. The cleaner your file, the easier your buyer’s inspections and underwriting.
When you need a City-led solution
Some drainage problems go beyond a homeowner grant. Common examples include recurring street flooding, failing public storm sewers, or multi-property issues that require major grading or new inlets. In these cases, City or County engineers assess the situation and, if warranted, move it into a capital improvements process with engineering, funding decisions, and construction timelines that can span months to years. If your issue involves the street, public inlets, or utilities, start with Town and Country Public Works to determine the right path.
What to keep for your records
Strong documentation protects your investment and reduces buyer concern. Keep:
- The City pre-approval or grant award letter.
- Before and after photos that clearly show the problem and the fix.
- Paid invoices, contractor warranties, and any maintenance schedule.
- The final City inspection sign-off and proof of reimbursement.
- Any maintenance agreement or recorded document tied to the improvement.
Provide these in your seller disclosures. Buyers appreciate clear, organized evidence that a recurring issue has been properly addressed.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Call Town and Country Public Works about your drainage issue before hiring contractors.
- Get written pre-approval and understand eligible costs.
- Hire licensed contractors or follow City rules for owner-installed work.
- Keep before and after photos, paid invoices, and the final inspection report.
- Start at least 3 to 4 months before you plan to list.
- Share documentation with your agent and buyers to speed inspections.
Ready to align drainage fixes with your sale?
You can improve curb appeal, protect your home, and reduce buyer friction by tackling drainage the right way. If you are planning to sell in Town and Country, thoughtful timing and proper documentation can make a real difference at the closing table. For help building a sale-ready plan that pairs stormwater fixes with professional preparation, reach out to the local team at Unknown Company to Get Your Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
What is a 50/50 stormwater grant in Town and Country?
- A typical 50/50 grant is a reimbursable cost share where the City pre-approves a small drainage project on private property, you complete the work, and the City reimburses a portion after final inspection and paperwork.
What projects are usually eligible for residential grants?
- Common eligible fixes include rain gardens, downspout redirection, dry wells, French drains, minor grading, and related gutter work that reduces runoff or protects foundations.
Can I start drainage work before I apply for a grant?
- Starting early is smart, but work begun before City pre-approval is usually ineligible for reimbursement, so apply and wait for authorization before construction.
How long does reimbursement usually take after construction?
- After final inspection and complete paperwork, many programs issue reimbursement within 2 to 8 weeks, though timelines vary by funding cycle and workload.
What if my drainage issue involves the street or a public storm sewer?
- Issues tied to public infrastructure typically move to a City or County capital process rather than a residential grant, beginning with an assessment by Public Works.
How should I time a grant-funded fix if I plan to sell?
- Start 3 to 4 months before your listing date so you can secure pre-approval, complete the work, pass final inspection, and receive reimbursement before you go to market.
