Urbandale staff outline stormwater incentives: $3,500 foundation‑drain grants, zoning change for permeable pavement and proposed design bonus

Urbandale staff on Tuesday briefed the City Council on environmental sustainability measures that include a foundation drain disconnect grant program already underway, a zoning amendment to permit permeable pavement for parking and a proposed incentive to encourage a higher stormwater design standard.

"Our current grant assistance is $3,500 which is a 100% match," said Kristen, City staff, describing the foundation drain disconnect program approved earlier by the council. Staff mailed 274 letters to 253 properties to notify owners about the requirement and the grant; public works has begun field testing and responding to inquiries.

The city’s foundation drain program provides a one‑time grant intended to help homeowners comply with new ordinance requirements. Kristen said callers so far have been generally receptive and staff plan to provide guidance on…