Rain gardens and stormwater projects · Washington

Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP)

Run by Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Whatcom Conservation District)

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Rebate of up to $2.00 per square foot improved for eligible expenses; no overall cap published
Who qualifies
Homeowners in the Lake Whatcom watershed; check address on the HIP site.
Where
Homeowners in the Lake Whatcom watershed in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Status
Open. No deadline or funding limit published; more than 200 projects reimbursed since 2011.
Type of payment
Rebate
Official program page

What you do

Install native landscaping, rain gardens, drainage upgrades or other stormwater treatment on your property and get reimbursed.

Requirements

  • Property must be in Lake Whatcom watershed
  • Voluntary program; complete application with staff help before work
  • Work by professionals or DIY with staff guidance

The plan or design it asks for

Staff help choose improvements and may help with design; specifics not published on page.

Native plant lists for the area: Bellingham

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 Lake Whatcom HIP's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Enter address on the See if you qualify page
  2. 2Attend online workshop or individual consultation
  3. 3Choose improvements with staff and complete application
  4. 4Complete the project
  5. 5Get reimbursed

Estimate your rebate

Uses the published rate per square foot improved. The program sets the final amount after its inspection.

Enter an area to see an estimate

Timing and deadlines

not published

not published

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 See something out of date?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

More programs near the same area