Text Version      
Montgomery County Maryland top half of montgomerycounty seal
Home | Translate  
 

RainScapes Rewards Rebates Program

The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers financial incentives in the form of rebates to property owners who install RainScapes techniques. The RainScapes Program is funded by the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge.

Eligible maximum rebates depend on project costs and type.

Property Type Maximum Rebate
Residential Property $1,200
Commercial, multi-family, or institutional property $5,000

Rebate Terms

  • FY12 RainScapes Rewards Rebates applications are only accepted online.
  • FY11 RainScapes Rebates - Projects approved for FY11 should be completed by December 31, 2011 or earlier.
  • Annual funds for the programs are limited, so rebates will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • The RainScape application must be approved by DEP prior to construction to be eligible for a rebate.
  • After the project is complete and inspected, invoices/receipts for the entire amount of the rebate requested must be submitted to receive the rebate check in the mail.
  • The rebate amount may be applied to multiple RainScapes projects until the ceiling for each property is met (Residential: $1,200 or Commercial/Institutional/Multi-family: $5,000)
  • A form called the RainScapes Rewards Property Owners Agreement must be signed and filed with the program. (this will be emailed to you after your application is reviewed and project is accepted)

Who is Eligible?

To participate, your property must be located in Montgomery County, outside of the municipal limits of the City of Rockville, City of Takoma Park, or City of Gaithersburg. Projects are not eligible if they are associated with permit approval requirements for new building construction, additions, or renovations. Residents of Gaithersburg can participate in the Gaithersburg RainScapes Program. Residents of the City of Rockville can participate in the Rockville RainScapes Program.

Return to Top

Rebates by RainScapes Technique

RainScapes Technique Maximum Residential Rebates        Maximum Commercial, Multi-Family, Institutional Rebates
Rain Garden $1,200 $5,000 total; based on $1/ sf impervious area treated or $2,500/rain garden, whichever $ is greater.
Conservation Landscaping -  Replacement of turf or invasive species $250 - 750; $1/square feet - minimum 250 square feet $3,000; $3/square foot – 350 square feet minimum
Urban Tree Canopy $600 per lot; $150/tree  $600 per lot; $150/tree 
Permeable Pavers $1,200; 100 square foot minimum $5,000;  350 square foot minimum
Pavement Removal

$600 - $1,200; 100 square foot minimum;  rebate amount varies depending on planting material

$1,800 - $5,000; 300 square foot minimum;
rebate amount varies depending on planting material
Green Roofs $1,200; 300 square feet or ¼ of roof- retrofit $5,000; 300 square feet or ¼ of roof- retrofit
Rain Barrels $200 (must capture 200 gallons) $200 (must capture 200 gallons)
Cisterns $500 ($1/gallon stored, 250 gallons min.) $2,000 ($1/gallon stored, 250 gallons min.)
Dry Wells $600  $600 

Return to Top

How to Apply

Please complete the RainScapes Online Application form to apply for RainScapes rebates.

Outreach and Project Tours

As part of the rebate agreement, the applicant must agree to participate in public outreach activities associated with the RainScapes project, including allowing DEP to place signage, take and use photos, and completing a follow-up evaluation. This requirement is noted on each application. “In the ground” projects are great examples for others who may be considering a RainScapes on their property, and help to build a network of community members with project experience.

Project Tours
Each application includes a question about voluntary participation in tours of the RainScapes projects conducted by DEP. Project tours will help DEP educate others about the benefits and beauty of these projects, and we ask that RainScapes Program project participants agree to allow reasonable access to the project site for periodic tours organized by the County. The County will provide notice of at least five (5) business days before undertaking any project tour. A County employee will be present at all times during the tours and tour participants will be required to execute a waiver releasing the property owner from any liability for damages or injuries resulting from the tours.

Return to Top

 
Last edited: 8/25/2011