How to Apply for Bethesda, Maryland Water Rebates
Get pre-approval from the county before you install. Conservation landscaping pays $5 per sq ft, up to $7,500 residential and $20,000 commercial, with native plants and de-compacted, compost-amended soil.
Application Steps
- 1
Apply and wait for a planner
Apply online for RainScapes Rewards. The county assigns you a planner, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, who reviews the project before any work.
Open the RainScapes application - 2
Get written pre-approval
Wait for written pre-approval from the Department of Environmental Protection. Do not install until you have it. Rebates only apply to pre-approved projects.
- 3
Install to the requirements
Use native plants in quart-or-larger containers for non-groundcover plants, skip seeding, and de-compact the soil at least 9 inches with 2 inches of compost.
- 4
Inspect and submit receipts
After installation, pass the final inspection and submit itemized receipts. The rebate pays $5 per square foot, up to $7,500 residential or $20,000 commercial.
RainScapes is first-come, first-served on funding and pays after a final inspection. Pre-approval and the soil prep rules are what trip people up.
Full Program Details
See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.
Bethesda, Maryland Water Rebates — full guide