RainScapes Rewards Rebates
The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers rebates to property owners who install RainScapes techniques such as rain gardens, rain barrels, conservation landscaping and other approved projects that help control stormwater. This program is open to properties in Montgomery County outside the municipalities of Rockville , Gaithersburg , and Takoma Park.
The RainScapes Program is funded by the County's Water Quality Protection Charge.
| Property Type | Maximum Rebate (per parcel) |
|---|---|
|
Residential Property |
$7,500 |
| Commercial, HOAs, multi-family, or institutional property | $20,000 |
Am I Eligible for a Rebate?
Answer these questions to see if you are eligible for a RainScapes Rewards Rebate.
- Do you live in Montgomery County, MD outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park?
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Yes! Then continue to question 2.
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No. Unfortunately, you are not eligibile for the County program. Contact your municipal government to see if they have their own program.
- Have you reached the lifetime maximum rebate for your parcel?
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No! Then continue on to question 3.
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Yes. Unfortunately, you are not eligible for a rebate because you or a previous property owner already took advantage of the program. We commend your continued effort to reduce stormwater pollution!
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I'm not sure. Each parcel can receive multiple rebates until the lifetime rebate maximum is reached. If you have questions about your rebate amount eligibility, email rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov
- Has your project been pre-approved by the RainScapes program?
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Yes! Congrats - you are ready to start your project and apply for your rebate.
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No. RainScapes projects, except rain barrel projects, must be preapproved by RainScapes staff before applying for a rebate.
To all of our RainScapes participants,
We are working to continue the RainScapes program during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our inspections for preliminary visits will generally be virtual site visits and will involve using a video call on smart phone or tablet.
If you do not have that capacity, please email us at: RainScapes@montgomerycountymd.gov.
In general, we are conducting final inspections virtually. However, we are scheduling in person final inspections on an as needed basis.
Restrictions for RainScapes Rewards Rebates
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Funds are awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis beginning on the first day of the fiscal year which begins on July 1st.
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Projects that fulfill permit approval requirements for stormwater permits are not eligible
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Pre-approval is required before installation of all projects, with the exception of rain barrels. Supporting documents specific to each rebate type will need to be submitted. This can happen before or after the preliminary inspection.
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Project completion is expected within 6 months of approval date.
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A Property Owner Agreement (POA) acknowledging receipt of public money spent on private property must be signed and submitted. (DEP will provide the document when you apply.)
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A rebate is issued after the project passes a final inspection.
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The rebated amount is based on project caps and cannot exceed the receipts submitted and all receipts and signed POA are returned to DEP. Sales tax will be deducted from all receipts.
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At the final inspection, you may receive a list of necessary changes to be made before a rebate can be issues.
If you are not sure if you meet these criteria, email us at rainscapes@montgomerycountymd.gov.
*RainScapes will no longer offer a rebate for Tree Canopy Projects. Instead check out Tree Montgomery, to apply for a free tree!
RainScapes Rewards Rebates by Technique
Residential properties are eligible to receive a lifetime total of $7,500 per property in rebates. Commercial, HOA, multi-family, and institutional properties are eligible to receive a total of $20,000 in rebates. Download the chart below as a handout. (PDF, 285KB)
Rain Gardens
- Requirements (.pdf, 385KB)
- Project Manual (.pdf, 382KB)
- Plant Spacing Guide (.pdf, 533KB)
-
How to Install a Rain Garden (Video)
Residential Rebate
$10 per square foot of total garden area
Minimum rain garden size is 75 square feet
Commercial Rebate
$10 per square foot of total garden area
Minimum rain garden size is 100 square feet
Conservation Landscaping
- Requirements (.pdf, 227KB)
- Plant Spacing Guide (.pdf, 533KB)
- Project Manual (.pdf, 676KB)
- Establishment Guide (.pdf, 582KB)
- Planting Design Templates (.pdf, 4.27MB)
Residential Rebate
$5 per square foot if less than 3" temporary ponding, $6 per square foot if 3” of temporary ponding
Project must replace turf, invasives or erosion. Project needs to intercept runoff. 250 square foot minimum
Commercial Rebate
$5 per square foot if less than 3" temporary ponding, $6 per square foot if 3” of temporary ponding
Project must replace turf, invasives or erosion. Project needs to intercept runoff. 350 square foot minimum
Residential Rebate
$14 per square foot; 100 square foot minimum
Commercial Rebate
$4 per square foot; 200 square foot minimum
Residential Rebate
$3 - $7 per square foot depending on what replaces the pavement
Turf is lower, conservation landscape is higher
100 square foot minimum
Commercial Rebate
$3 - $7 per square foot depending on what replaces the pavement
Turf is lower, conservation landscape is higher
200 square foot minimum
Residential Rebate
$1 per gallon; 250 gallon minimum, 500 gallon maximum
$500 maximum per property
Commercial Rebate
$1 per gallon; 250 gallon minimum, 2,000 gallon maximum
$2,000 maximum per property
Residential Rebate
$1 per gallon
200 gallon minimum for single family home, 100 gallon minimum for townhome
50 gallon minimum per barrel
$250 maximum rebate per property
Commercial Rebate
$1 per gallon
200 gallon minimum for commercial property
$250 maximum per property
Residential Rebate
$9 per square foot
100 square foot minimum
Commercial Rebate
$9 per square foot
200 square foot minimum
RainScapes Rewards Rebates may be considered income under federal tax law.
You should consult with your tax advisor regarding potential tax consequences of receiving a RainScapes Rewards Rebate