The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with the City of Rockville on its RainScapes Program. The City of Rockville Rainscapes Rebate 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, conservation landscaping, rain gardens, tree canopy, green roofs, pavement removal, and permeable pavers.
- Montgomery County manages its stormwater program independently of the City of Rockville and therefore properties outside the City of Rockville are not eligible.
Eligibility: An applicant must be the property owner, or a renter with permission from the property owner. Not all Rockville addresses are qualified residents; 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 for the lifetime of the property is $5,000 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
Contact
Megan Andreasen
410-974-2941 x133
mandreasen@cbtrust.org
Delaney Samons
410-974-2941 x131
dsamons@cbtrust.org
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/tree
Requirements: must be native species, meet at least one of the following criteria (#7 pot size, 8 feet tall, 1 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: $6/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 250 square feet installed for all property types
Green Roof
A green roof is a vegetated roof system that stores rainwater in a lightweight, engineered soil.
Rebate allowance: $9/square foot
Requirements: must be at least 100 square feet for all properties
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 Rockville, why can’t I participate?
Montgomery County residents do not pay into the same Stormwater Management Utility Fee that City of Rockville 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
I have just completed renovations/have a new building; can I participate in the program?
Potentially. 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 or if the property is located within a municipality that has a similar rebate program for stormwater management projects. So if you go above and beyond what is required by your permit, you can participate.
Do I have to apply for permits?
Most projects will not require permits. However, if a project on its own or in conjunction with a concurrent project on your property involves any of the below activities, a permit is likely required. Always check with the County’s permitting office if you think you may need a permit.
- 5,000 square feet or more of ground is disturbed;
- 100 cubic yards or more of earth moving occurs; or
- 12-inch change (+/-) in grade that alters drainage flow.
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 maximum (non-renewable) – NOT per practice or per property owner.
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 Rockville 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!
