RainScapes Neighborhoods: Town of Chevy Chase
RainScapes Neighborhoods are no longer an active program. Please check our resources page and information about RainScapes Rewards Rebates for how to work to reduce stormwater runoff on your property. We also offer classes and provide information to the public through the RainScapes Gazette. Class information is publicized on the DEP calendar (add link) and through the Gazette and our social media MyGreenMC.
The Town of Chevy Chase is located in the Rock Creek watershed and dates back to the early 1900's. Much of the building activity in the community occurred during the 1920's, prior to today's requirements for stormwater management.
The Town has a long history of planting and maintaining the mature tree canopy and preserving the local environment. It also has an actively engaged Climate and Environment Committee that promotes local programs.
Preserving mature canopy is a significant step in the process of slowing stormwater runoff and an important part of the Town's environmental stewardship efforts. The Town has also taken pro-active steps to manage stormwater runoff during construction and renovation projects, through adoption of its own Water Drainage Management Ordinance to address concerns about the adverse effects of drainage problems in the Town.
The Climate and Environment Committee has promoted the RainScapes Program to town residents, so that they could actively participate in community stormwater management efforts.
In a 2013 survey of environmental priorities among town residents, Encouraging Sustainable Landscape Practices, and Improving Stormwater Management, were ranked fourth and fifth out of the top 13 "very important" issues.
While providing many benefits, the extensive tree canopy in the public ROW limits the potential for Green Streets stormwater retrofit approaches, leading to a focus on looking for opportunities on private property. The community was identified as having good potential for RainScapes approaches to managing stormwater based on the active neighborhood communication and leadership to engage residents in voluntary participation to implement projects on private property, adequate lot sizes, the lack of stormwater treatment and drainage infrastructure in the community, and stream restoration activities in the adjacent tributaries to Rock Creek.
Neighborhood Goal
The community consists of 1032 households, and several town properties including several parks and the Town Hall. The household participation goal for installing RainScapes projects on residential lots for the Town of Chevy Chase is from 103 to 310 homes. This is based on RainScapes being installed on between 10% - 30% of the homes in the neighborhood. Currently 3% of the properties have RainScapes, with 30 projects installed or in progress.
Town of Chevy Chase Neighborhood Project Map
The following map shows all the current and completed projects that fall within the Town of Chevy Chase Neighborhood boundary. (Please click the double arrow at the top of the map to see the legend)
RainScapes Neighborhood Process in the Town of Chevy Chase
The RainScapes Program in the Town of Chevy Chase will provide RainScapes site assessment consultation for homeowners upon request, to identify the most suitable projects for a given property, followed by technical support for homeowners to implement a project through the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program. This enhanced level of support of providing site assessment service is anticipated to continue until the participation goal of 10% is reached.
Site Assessment and Design
Residents who choose to participate in the RainScapes Program are scheduled for a site assessment field visit on their property. At this field meeting, DEP staff or our consultants meets with homeowners to assess the nature of stormwater drainage on and around the property, and where and how it could be treated on-site using a RainScapes project(s). Based on the outcome of the field meeting, DEP will provide a written site assessment with recommendations for a range of RainScapes projects that could be eligible for rebate funding for a person's property, identifying the best choice(s) for runoff management. The RainScapes Site Assessment does not obligate the property owner to any subsequent activities and is a free service provided by the Department of Environmental Protection.
To apply for a RainScapes Rewards rebate, the homeowner needs to decide which project(s) they would like to do and then submit an online application for each project chosen.
All planting projects require a scaled drawing with a planting plan and plant list and must receive aproject approval PRIOR TO beginning installation. For other project requirements, check here.
RainScapes staff provides technical assistance through the design review process to ensure the project is designed and installed to function as intended. After the installed project passes final inspection, the homeowner submits receipts for eligible expended for reimbursement, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for processing the rebate reimbursement check. RainScapes projects are maintained by the homeowner and will be re-verified - with prior notification - every three years by RainScapes staff or consultant, to ensure that they are still in place and functioning as intended.
Outreach and Workshop Materials
2014 Town of Chevy Chase Public Meeting PowerPoint (PDF, 4.76MB)
How Can I Participate in the Town of Chevy Chase RainScapes Program?
Option One: Request a Site Assessment
If you are interested in scheduling a RainScapes Site Assessment for your property, contact DEP at rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-7702 and indicate you are in the Town of Chevy Chase. Please leave your name, address and contact information and we will get in touch with you to set up a site assessment appointment for your property.
Click here to see an example of RainScapes Site Assessment Report (PDF, 2.63MB)
You may also go directly to RainScapes Rewards Rebate application site if you already have a project idea and location in mind for a project. The application process will initiate scheduling a site visit with RainScapes staff to look at your property with you and to discuss your desired project.
Option Two: Add Your Existing Runoff Reduction Project to the Map
If you have already taken steps to "RainScapes" your property and reduce your rainfall runoff footprint but did not participate in the RainScapes Rewards program, please let us know by sending a photo and description, along with the address of your project to Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov. We are tracking the Neighborhood's runoff reduction progress!
You may also be interested to know, that you could be eligible for a WQPC credit through the DEP Water Quality Protection Charge Credit Program. Use the above link to find out if you are eligible and learn how to apply for a reduction in the annual fee (WQPC) paid on your property tax bill.
Questions
RainScapes Helpdesk: Rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov; 240-777-7702