Rain gardens and stormwater projects · District of Columbia

DOEE RiverSmart Rebates Permeable Surface Rebate

Run by DC DOEE (administered by Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay)

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$15 per sq ft permeable pavers (min 100 sq ft); $8 per sq ft vegetation (min 200 sq ft); up to $6,000 per property
Maximum
$6,000 per household
Who qualifies
Properties in Ward 7, Ward 8 or the MS4 area; combined sewer properties outside Wards 7 and 8 are ineligible (use DOEE lookup map).
Where
DC properties in Ward 7, Ward 8 or the MS4 area; combined-sewer properties elsewhere are not eligible.
Status
Open. (first-come, first-served; availability not stated)
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Replace impervious surface (driveway, patio, etc.) with permeable pavers or vegetation and get reimbursed.

Requirements

  • Pavers must receive runoff from a downspout or rain barrel/cistern overflow
  • Paver contractor must hold ICPI Record of Completion
  • Percolation test
  • Maintenance Agreement and estimated invoice
  • At least two before photos
  • Large Project Supplement for pavers over 1,200 sq ft
  • Finish within one year of pre-construction approval
  • Post-construction inspection

The plan or design it asks for

Site design plus before photos, estimated invoice, perc test and maintenance agreement submitted before construction.

Make the plan in Sow

Draw the layout and build the plant list

Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check DC DOEE's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Choose project type and location
  2. 2Review Applicant Guide and submit application
  3. 3Perform perc test and include worksheet
  4. 4Select contractor from list or plan DIY
  5. 5Complete maintenance agreement and estimated invoice
  6. 6Complete site design, upload 2+ before photos
  7. 7Large Project Supplement if pavers exceed 1,200 sq ft
  8. 8After construction notify the Alliance, submit after photos, final invoice, completion form
  9. 9Schedule inspection

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot of permeable pavers installed ($8 per sq ft for vegetation, min 200 sq ft) and the $6,000 cap. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

Complete within 1 year of approval; check 4-6 weeks after post-construction approval

1 year from pre-construction approval

Combining it with other programs

RiverSmart Rewards optional

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs

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