Rain gardens and stormwater projects · District of Columbia

DOEE RiverSmart Rebates Rain Garden Rebate

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

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
$41 per sq ft of garden area, up to $3,000
Maximum
$3,000 per household
Who qualifies
DC residents installing a rain garden treating runoff from impervious surfaces on their property. The page says applicants must have already received a RiverSmart Homes grant (conflicts with the rebates overview page which markets rebates to those not waiting for Homes; verify with the Alliance).
Where
DC residents installing a rain garden that treats runoff from impervious surfaces on their property.
Status
Open. (first-come, first-served, limited funding; availability not stated)
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install a rain garden that captures roof or other impervious runoff, using a contractor or DIY, and get reimbursed.

Requirements

  • At least 50 sq ft garden
  • At least 400 sq ft impervious area drained to it
  • 1:10 garden to impervious area ratio
  • Only plants native to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
  • Percolation test
  • Rebate Maintenance Agreement
  • Pre-construction inspection unless you already had a DOEE Stormwater Audit
  • Post-construction inspection

The plan or design it asks for

Design sketch, itemized invoice, perc test worksheet, maintenance agreement and before photos submitted with application 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 location; review Homeowner Guide and Rebate Application Packet
  2. 2Do a perc test with the worksheet
  3. 3Select a contractor from the list or plan DIY
  4. 4Submit application packet to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
  5. 5Get approval before starting (pre-construction inspection unless you have a DOEE audit)
  6. 6After construction notify the Alliance that work is complete and paid
  7. 7Submit after photos, final invoice, Project Completion Form if design changed
  8. 8Schedule post-construction inspection

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot of rain garden area and the $3,000 cap. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

Checks mailed 2-6 weeks after post-construction approval

not published

Combining it with other programs

RiverSmart Rewards

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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