Foundation Drain Disconnection Program

As storm services are installed with City projects, the benefitted properties are added to the Foundation Drain Disconnection Program.  Property owners will be notified when a project is in progress and again when the project is complete and storm sewer sump services are available for connection.  Once the notifications have been sent:

• Each property has one year to disconnect before being charged a non-compliance fee by the associated sewer district.
• Each property has two years to complete the Foundation Drain Disconnection to receive the Grant (see below).   

Foundation Drain Grant Guidelines and Application

The Foundation Drain Grant program was approved by Council on May 6, 2025, and will become effective when the Ordinance is adopted.  The City will reimburse 100% of the cost, up to $3,500, to property owners who meet the program requirements (see grant link and FAQ below). Reimbursement for approved work will be by direct payment to the property owner.

Interested residents should consult with a contractor and apply for the grant BEFORE agreeing to a contract and before any work is done.  This helps ensure that all steps are followed for grant approval and proper disconnection, and that the homeowner understands which portions of the project are eligible for reimbursement.  The homeowner may choose to make additional home improvements at the same time as the storm sewer connection, but only items related to the foundation drain will be eligible for funds.

Foundation Drain Disconnection Grant

Foundation Drain Disconnection Program Grant Application - Fillable PDF Form - The Application page is also in the Grant link above.

Foundation Drain FAQ

The W-9 Form is available from IRS at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

List of Possible Local Contractors

What type of work qualifies for funding?

Work required to successfully disconnect the foundation drains from sanitary sewer and reconnect to the storm sewer is eligible for grant funding.  Possible items might include:

• Permit fees.
• Contractor and installation costs.
• Sump pump equipment and sump pit installation.
• Pipe and other materials necessary to connect to the sump service stub.
• Installation of backflow prevention devices on the sump line.

How will I be reimbursed?

The subsidy will be paid to the property owner as a direct payment for the amount of qualifying work.  See link above for full program guidelines.  General steps include:

• Submit the completed application with itemized estimate and description of the project.
• The City will review the submitted application and issue a pre-approval letter for qualified work.
• Work must be completed by a licensed plumber with a plumbing permit only after the City issues pre-approval.
• After work is completed, additional documentation will be required, including itemized invoice, proof of payment, and W-9 federal tax form.
• The City will process the grant after receiving all necessary documentation.
• Access to your property may be required for city staff to review this application and inspect the completed project.

For questions regarding this program, please contact the Foundation Drain Disconnect Program at (515)-278-3950 or email stormwater@urbandale.org.

Foundation Drain Disconnection Project Map

See map below for the City areas which will be notified of the requirement to disconnect under Ordinance 59.  This list includes projects that have been completed, projects currently under construction which will be added to the program when completed, and planned projects for future years.

Notification Letter of Required Compliance - English
Notification Letter of Required Compliance - Spanish
Notification Letter of Required Compliance - Burmese