Residential Culvert Assistance Program

The homeowner pays back the cost over 10 years through a special assessment on their annual property tax bill.

For questions about option #1, call the Public Works Department at 772-871-7655.

Pre-qualification:

• Income verification is not required.
• The property cannot be in foreclosure.
• A bankruptcy action affecting the property cannot be pending.
• The property owner must be current in their monthly mortgage payments.
• The house must be owner-occupied on a full-time basis for a minimum of one year.
• Property taxes must not be delinquent.
• The property must have a code violation for a failed culvert.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) forgivable loan option is accepting applications.

For questions about option #2, call the Neighborhood Services Department at 772-344-4084 or email housing@cityofpsl.com.

This option provides financial assistance as a five-year, interest-free, deferred-payment forgivable loan. The loan is secured by a lien on the property and is forgiven over the five-year term, provided the homeowner continues to meet the program requirements.

• If the property is sold or transferred before the loan is fully forgiven, the prorated unforgiven loan balance must be repaid at closing.
• If the property is refinanced and the homeowner receives cash proceeds, the homeowner must repay the prorated unforgiven loan balance.

Pre-Qualifications:

• The property cannot be in foreclosure.
• A bankruptcy action affection the property cannot be pending.
• The property owner must be current in their monthly mortgage payment and taxes.
• The house must be owner-occupied on a full-time basis for a minimum of one year and homesteaded through the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser for at least one year.
• The home must be your primary residence, not a long-term or short-term rental property.
• The property must have a code violation for a failed culvert.
• Income verification is required for eligibility.
• Combined total gross income for all household members cannot exceed the limits listed below. 

Income Limits by Household Size: Income is defined as all gross wages, income from assets and resources, or benefits as determined by HUD. All of these income limits are adjusted for household size.

1. Apply

Apply for option 1: 10-Year, Interest-Free Financing

Apply for option 2: Forgivable Loan

After completing your application, it will be reviewed for the following:

• An active code compliance case exists
• The culvert is confirmed to be in a failed state  

2. Property Evaluation

City staff will inspect the property and get a cost estimate for repairs within the right-of-way.

3. Finalize Agreement

Staff will contact the applicant to:

• Review the program options
• Confirm the repair estimate
• Finalize paperwork and agreements

Only the concrete portion of the driveway within the right-of-way will be replaced. Decorative elements will not be restored.

4. Installation

The selected contractor will obtain permits and complete installation of the new culvert and driveway in the right-of-way within six months of the agreement or within the current fiscal year.

5. Final Inspection

The City performs the final inspection, closes the permit and the Code Compliance Division is notified to close your code case.

Can the 10-year, interest-free loan be paid off early?
Yes, you can make arrangements with the St. Lucie Tax Collectors Office.

Is the loan transferrable?
No

Will there be a lien on my property?
The assessment is a lien on the property, equal in rank and dignity with the lien of county taxes and assessments, superior to all other liens and claims, until paid. The lien gives the city a legal interest in the property until the assessment is paid in full.

What is a driveway culvert?
It’s a pipe beneath a driveway that allows rainwater to flow through the swale.

Who is responsible for maintaining culverts?
According to City Code Section 41.08(H)(1), homeowners must maintain and replace culverts as needed to avoid obstructing stormwater flow through the swale.

What is stormwater?
Stormwater is rain that runs off roofs, driveways and roads. Culverts help manage its flow and prevent flooding.

What qualifies as a failed culvert?
A collapsed driveway or blocked pipe that is not conveying the designed drainage capacity.

Why is proper drainage important?
It prevents flooding, protects public health and maintains neighborhood aesthetics.