Interested in learning more? Check the sidebar for webinar details to learn about the program!
The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with the City of Gaithersburg on its RainScapes Reward Program. The RainScapes Reward Program offers rebate incentives to homeowners, not-for-profit organizations, and others to install practices that will improve stormwater runoff quality, reduce pollution, and improve local stream and river health.
What this funds: Eight types of stormwater practices are eligible for rebates: rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, conservation landscape, pavement removal, pervious pavers, and soil tests.
- Montgomery County manages its stormwater program independently of the City of Gaithersburg and therefore properties outside the City of Gaithersburg are not eligible.
Eligibility: An applicant must be the property owner, or a renter with permission from the property owner. Check to make sure you’re a resident by using our address check map: gburg.md/StormwaterProgramFee. Applicants are not eligible for a rebate under this program if the project is part of the permit approval requirements for new building construction or renovations.
Maximum rebate amounts: Each of the practices supported by the program has its own rebate allowance based on the type.
The total maximum rebate amount is $5,000 per property owner for residential properties and not-for-profits, including religious institutions, private schools, homeowners associations and condominium associations. If an existing property owner received $2,500 of rebates and sells the property, the new property owner is eligible for $5,000 in rebates. An applicant may complete multiple projects until the total maximum rebate amount is met.
Looking for a Landscape Professional? Review the RainScapes Landscape Professional List: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/Resources/Files/rainscapes/raingarden/Contractor_List.pdf
**Projects whose costs exceed the rebate allowance per practice or maximum rebate amount for the property must have separate funding to pay for the difference. The rebate amount will be dependent upon final project size(s) and receipts/invoices for costs associated with the project. The rebate amount will be the maximum rebate allowed or the actual costs, whichever is lower. A rebate request cannot exceed the cost of the project. Sales tax will be deducted from all receipts.
*All site practices images are from the Rockville RainScapes Rebate Program.
Program Status: OPEN
Interested applicants should review the Program Guidance and Application Instructions document prior to submitting an application.
Funds are available on a first come, first served basis, and demand for the program this fiscal year has been high.
Deadline: Rolling. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.
Online Application
Applications are processed within two weeks of submission and the applicant will receive an email with next steps. All projects, with the exception of soil tests, must be pre-approved prior to project installation.
Get Started with a New Application
Continue with a Previous Application
Paper Application
Download the paper application form here or contact us to get a copy mailed to you. Complete the paper application form and the appropriate property owner agreement form and mail to the address indicated on the form.
Property Owner Agreement Form
Read the Terms and Conditions and sign the form. Upload and submit the completed form with your online application or mail it in with your paper application.
Property Owner Agreement
City of Gaithersburg RainScapes Reward Program Information Session
We’ll be hosting two upcoming information sessions on: Wednesday (8/27) at 6:30 PM as the topic for the city’s monthly watershed meeting.
More information on the 8/27 information session to come.
Watch a Previous City of Gaithersburg RainScapes Reward Program Information Session
We held an information session on Tuesday (7/29) at 6:00 PM. The recording and slides can be found below.
Click Here to View the Presentation Slides
View the Trust’s Application Accessibility Statement
Click Here to View the Trust's Accessibility Statement
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is a container used to collect and temporarily store rainwater that flows from the rooftop. Install rain barrels that store and collect rain water from your roof to help reduce runoff in your yard and reduce pollutants to local streams.
Rebate allowance: $1/gallon
Requirements: must be at least 50 gallons for all property types
Cisterns
A cistern (essentially a larger version of a rain barrel) is a sealed tank used to collect a temporarily store rainwater that flows from the rooftop. Collected water can be reused for non-potable purposes such as watering your flower garden, trees, or lawn.
Rebate allowance: $1/gallon
Requirements: must be at least 250 gallons for all property types
Tree Canopy
Plant native trees that can help slow runoff, filter pollutants, provide shade and help local birds and other wildlife.
Rebate allowance: $150/large tree; $100/small trees
Requirements: must be native species, meet at least one of the following criteria (at least five-gallon pot, 5 feet tall, 1/2 inch caliper), and planted between September and May
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a planted shallow depression that uses water-tolerant native plants and landscaping to soak up stormwater runoff.
Rebate allowance: $10/square foot
Requirements: must be at least 75 square feet for all property types
Pavement Removal
Remove impervious surfaces such as patios, walkways or excess driveway to help reduce polluted runoff and flooding.
Rebate allowance: $7/square foot if replacing with conservation landscaping or $3/square foot if replacing with sod
Requirements: must be at least 100 square feet of pavement removed
Permeable Pavers
Replace your existing driveway, patio, walkway or other impermeable surface with a paver system designed to allow rainwater to soak back into the ground.
Rebate allowance: $14/square foot
Requirements: must be installed by a qualified contractor, at least 100 square feet of permeable pavers installed
Conservation Landscaping
Conservation landscaping is a low-cost, sustainable alternative to traditional landscaping that replaces lawns, bare soil or non-native invasive plants with plants native to the Chesapeake Bay region to help pollinators, reduce pollution and create wildlife habitat, and beautify your yard.
Rebate allowance: $6/square foot with soil improvement or $5/square foot without soil improvement
Requirements: must be at least 200 contiguous square feet installed for all property types
Soil Test
Soil testing is used to determine the fertility, health, and quality of soil.
Rebate allowance: $20/per soil test
Requirements: maximum of two rebates per year for up to $40 per property
Process
What is the process in order to receiving a rebate?
- Submit online application
- Receive an approval letter from the RainScapes Rebate Team
- Install project
- Submit invoices and receipts
- Final site visit (if needed) / Notification of approval
- Check is sent to homeowner in approximately 4 – 6 weeks
How long does the process take?
It depends on how soon you can satisfy the contingencies, and how soon the project can be finished. Usually anywhere from 2-4 months to up to a year.
How long does the application take to complete?
It usually takes 5 – 10 minutes to complete.
I just submitted my application, what happens next?
Applications can take 4-6 weeks to be reviewed and processed. The RainScapes Reward Team will get in touch with you via email on the next steps after the application is processed. Note: Applications are reviewed on an on-going, first come-first served basis.
Eligibility
I am not the property owner, can I still apply?
Yes, but you must have documented permission from the proparety owner.
I live in Montgomery County, but not the City of Gaithersburg, why can’t I participate?
Montgomery County residents do not pay into the same Stormwater Management Utility Fee that City of Gaithersburg residents pay into, thus do not have access to the funds. They pay into their fee/their fee is handled differently, and Montgomery County has a separate RainScapes Rebate Program.
Permitting
Site development permits will be needed for permeable paver projects. Learn more about permits within the City of Gaithersburg here: gburg.md/site-permits
To apply online for a permit, please use the City of Gaithersburg online portal: https://ppl.gaithersburgmd.gov/
How to Create Your Account
Step 1: Click “Login/Register”
In the upper right corner of the screen, click the Login/Register link. You may see a redirect message—this is expected.
Note: Please use a unique email address when registering. We recommend using your individual work email rather than a general/shared one. If you’ve previously applied for a permit or plan, please register using the same email address to access your past submissions.
Step 2: Select “Create Account”
Click Create Account to begin the registration process.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
Fill in your information as prompted.
Once your account is created, all previous submissions linked to your email will appear on your Dashboard. If you do not see your past permits, plans, or licenses, please contact us at plancode@gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6330.
Need Help?
If you experience any issues with your account, have questions, or want to share feedback about the new portal, feel free to reach out:
📧 plancode@gaithersburgmd.gov
📞 301-258-6330
After creating an account on the portal, the customer should click ‘Apply’ in the options bar. In the search bar, type ‘Site’ and select ‘Site Development Permit’ when it appears.
Policies
How long do I have to complete the project?
You have a year from the day you submitted your application to complete the project. Applications are closed due to inactivity after one year. If you need a little more time, just contact the RainScapes Rebate Team for a short extension (1 – 3-month extension).
What are the allowable costs?
Only costs associated with the stormwater functions of a project are eligible for reimbursement. Related structural features of a project that do not directly play a role in the treatment of stormwater are not eligible for a rebate. Examples include benches, decorative items such as boulders, walkways, bridges, and other similar items. Itemized, detailed invoices must be submitted to the Trust upon the completion of the project.
I have my documents/contingencies ready to be sent, how do I send them?
Upload it to the contingency requirement in your online portal at www.grantrequest.com/SID_1520.
Funding/Rebate
As a residential property owner, how much am I eligible for?
$5,000 per homeowner for residential properties. If an existing property owner received $2,500 of rebates and sells the property, the new property owner is eligible for $5,000 in rebates
How long will it take for the check to arrive?
After your application is finalized, the RainScapes Rebate Team will review and upon approval you will receive the check in approximately 4 – 6 weeks.
Where does the money come from?
The RainScapes Rebate Program is supported through the Stormwater Management Utility Fee that the City of Gaithersburg residents pay on their property tax bill. The fee is in part made up of a flat rate and in part the percentage of impervious cover that exists on your property. The funds go back into the community for beautiful and stormwater treatment purposes.
Other
I don’t know what I should install, what do I list in my application?
You can submit the bare bones of an application and just indicate what you are interested in. We will help you figure out the best practice for your property!
