RainScapes Communities

 

The RainScapes Program targets outreach as part of the County's effort to help reduce stormwater runoff. We have non-rebate services for a variety of community types: Schools, Congregations, Neighborhoods, HOAs, Pools, Landscape Professionals. 

What is a RainScapes Community?

A RainScapes Community is a specific audience in Montgomery County that the RainScapes program provides with targeted outreach and opportunities.  You could be a part of a RainScapes Community!

 

 

 

Communities often own large areas of untreated impervious area, or are located in areas of the County where the Department of Environmental Protection is working to implement watershed restoration plans in areas with limited public land opportunities for stormwater retrofits.

 

 

Opportunities for RainScapes Communities

The RainScapes Program’s success is based on partnerships with community members and groups, public landscaped areas, and schools. DEP encourages you to  contact us about partnering to install RainScapes in your community.
 

Planning Support

Communities may contact RainScapes to request a presentation and/or site assessment to identify opportunities on their property for RainScapes projects. Email: rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov
 

Funding

Communities are eligible for a site assessment of RainScapes opportunities and RainScapes staff can be requested to speak at community events. Once a project is identified, the RainScapes Community can apply to do a project using the RainScapes Rewards Program.

 

Types of RainScapes Funding:

  • Residential property owners are eligible for up to $7,500 per parcel. Learn more.

  • HOAs, institutional properties such as schools, and other similar large property owners can also participate in the County's RainScapes Rewards program.  They are eligible for up to $20,000 per parcel. The cost of installation can be partially rebated by the County through the program. The application for RainScapes Rewards projects is available online. Learn more.
     

Other Funding Opportunities:

 

RainScapes at HOAs

Multi-family properties/HOA’s have many unique challenges to addressing stormwater issues, particularly in older communities that lack stormwater management.  RainScapes techniques can be used to help control the stormwater runoff that is adversely affecting our local streams and properties within HOA communities. 

RainScapes slow stormwater down, spread it out and let it soak in as it flows, recharging our ground water in a very natural way. Rain gardens, conservation landscaping and other RainScapes techniques not only reduce the impact of stormwater pollution, they also beautify property.

Leisure World RainScapesLeisure World RainScapes Project

 

Financial Rebates for HOAs:

The RainScapes Program offers educational and financial incentives in the form of RainScape Rewards Rebates to help offset some of the installation cost of these stormwater control practices.

  • Individual homeowners qualify for a lifetime maximum rebate of $7,500.00 on their property
  • HOA community property can qualify for a lifetime maximum rebate of $20,000.00 (per parcel based on tax ID #)

We encourage a combined effort with community property and individual homeowners’ properties as places to install RainScapes projects.  

 

Getting Started:

Identify Opportunities and Issues:

Identify any Stormwater Runoff Issues:

  • Erosion near properties

  • Flooding/ponding areas

  • Stormwater conveyance areas not functioning (older swales or clogged culverts for example)

Look for Opportunities:

  • Down spouts from individual homes, club/pool house or community center buildings that drain to open lawn areas

  • Large parking lots that may need resurfacing or which drain to grassy areas

  • Recreational areas such as tennis and basketball courts that drain and create erosion

Request a Site Visit:

At this time, we are unable to schedule site visits for properties that do not have an active RainScapes application on file. We hope to offer this service again in the new Fiscal Year. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our program. 

Request a Community Meeting:

Host an HOA board meeting or organized community meeting to introduce the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program to your community. The RainScapes planner for your community may attend the event. 
 

Apply for a RainScapes Rewards Project

The property manager or a HOA board member may apply to do a project on HOA property. Follow the easy steps on our application page after you have selected a project.

Leisure World RainScapesLeisure World RainScapes project

 

RainScapes at Community Pools

Community pools typically have large parking lots and decks which create uncontrolled runoff with every rain. RainScapes techniques can be install near pools to enhance the landscaping and absorb the excess water running off the decks and parking areas. RainScapes, such as rain gardens and conservation landscaping, often bloom in summer adding an attractive landscaping and habitat for pollinators, such as butterflies. 

Financial Rebates for Community Pools

The RainScapes Program offers educational and financial incentives in the form of RainScape Rewards Rebates to help offset some of the installation cost of these stormwater control practices.  Commercial HOA, multi-family and institutional properties (including community pools) qualify for a lifetime maximum rebate of $20,000.00 (per parcel based on tax ID #).
Northwest Branch Recreation Inc. Rain Garden and Conservation Landscape at the Northwest Branch Pool

 

Get Started:

Identify Opportunities and Issues:

Identify any Stromwater Runoff Issues:

  • Existing erosion

  • Flooding/ponding areas

Look for Opportunities:

  • Club, pool house or community center buildings that drain to open lawn areas

  • Large parking lots

  • Recreational areas such as tennis and basketball courts

  • Pool decks that drain away from the pool

 

Request a Site Visit:
To request a site visit, a property manager or a pool board member should contact the RainScapes program ( RainScapes@montgomerycountymd.gov) to schedule an assessment with one of our planners to walk the grounds with you. RainScapes staff will help identify potential RainScapes locations and recommend appropriate RainScapes projects on your community property.
Request a Community Meeting:
Host an community or club members meeting to introduce the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program to your community. The RainScapes planner for your community may attend the event. 
Apply for a RainScapes Rewards Project
The property manager or a a pool board member may apply to do a project.  Follow the easy steps on our application page after you have selected a project.
Rain Garden at United Church of Christ of Seneca ValleyRain Garden at United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley