The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with the City of Gaithersburg on its RainScapes Reward Program. City of Gaithersburg on its 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: Three types of stormwater practices are eligible for rebates: conservation landscaping, rainwater collection, 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. 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 homeowner for residential properties and not-for-profits, including religious institutions, private schools, homeowners associations and condominium associations. 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.
**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.
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 must be pre-approved prior to project installation.
Get Started with a New Application
Continue a Saved 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.
View the Trust’s Application Accessibility Statement
Click Here to View the Trust's Accessibility Statement
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
Conservation Landscaping Program
$1/per square foot of turf, impervious surface, or invasive species removed and replaced with conservation landscape
Maximum of $500 per Single-Family Residential and Small-lot (smaller than .5 acre) HOAs, Private Education Facilities, Nonprofits, and Multifamily Dwellings
Maximum of $1000 per large-lot (larger than .5 acre) HOAs, Private Education Facilities, Nonprofits, and Multifamily Dwellings
Rainwater Collection
$1/per gallon of rainwater collected; with a minimum of 40 gallons for small-lots and a minimum of 55 gallons for large-lots
Maximum of $250 per Single-Family Residential and Small-lot (smaller than .5 acre) HOAs, Private Education Facilities, Nonprofits, and Multifamily Dwellings
Maximum of $1000 per large-lot (larger than .5 acre) HOAs, Private Education Facilities, Nonprofits, and Multifamily Dwellings
Soil Test Rebate
$20/per soil tests; with a 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 2-3 weeks to be reviewed and processed. The RainScapes Rebate 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?
You specifically cannot apply but your landlord/the property owner can apply on your behalf. The property owner MUST be the applicant.
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.
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 property homeowner maximum
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!
