Rain gardens and stormwater projects · Michigan

Oakland County RainSmart Rebates

Run by Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner

PausedPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Rain barrel $125 each (max 2); tree $250 each (max 2); rain garden $6 per sq ft; up to $2,000 per property combined
Maximum
$2,000 per household
Who qualifies
Homeowners whose property is inside the program boundary in southeast Oakland County.
Where
Homeowners inside the program boundary in southeast Oakland County.
Status
Paused. Not accepting new applications for 2026 because of high demand.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install rain barrels, plant eligible trees, or build a rain garden at your home after a site assessment, then submit receipts and photos for reimbursement.

Requirements

  • Rain barrel at least 50 gallons, max 2 per property
  • Tree at least 5 ft tall and on the eligible tree list, max 2 per property
  • Rain garden at least 75% native species, approved design and planting plan before installing
  • $25 site assessment fee paid to Clinton River Watershed Council or Friends of the Rouge
  • Install only after emailed confirmation of approved projects
  • Reimbursement form with photos and purchase receipts, signed Property Owner Agreement
  • Maintain project per guidelines

The plan or design it asks for

Rain gardens need an approved design and planting plan before installation; rain barrels and trees only need the assessment report.

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 Oakland County WRC's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Check address with the county eligibility tool
  2. 2Submit application when open
  3. 3Accepted applicants get an email link to book the site assessment ($25)
  4. 4Receive emailed report of approved projects
  5. 5Install approved project (rain garden design approved first)
  6. 6Submit Reimbursement Request Form with photos, receipts and signed Property Owner Agreement
  7. 7Maintain the project

Timing and deadlines

not published

none published beyond the 2026 closure

Combining it with other programs

not published

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 See something out of date?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