District of Columbia Native Landscaping Rebates
DC's RiverSmart program, administered by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay on behalf of DOEE, offers rebates for rain gardens that capture stormwater from rooftops and other impervious surfaces. Gardens must use native plants suited to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Last updated: February 2026 · 1 program tracked
The quick version
- RiverSmart Rain Garden Rebate: up to $3,000 ($41 per square foot of garden area).
- Minimum 50 sq ft rain garden, 400 sq ft impervious area draining to it.
- Only Chesapeake Bay watershed native plants allowed.
- Pre-approval and percolation test required. First-come, first-served.
How to apply for District of Columbia rebates
Most water conservation and turf replacement rebates require pre-approval before you start work. Apply first, then wait for confirmation. Starting before approval is the most common reason applications get denied. Take clear before photos of the area you plan to convert. After you complete the work, submit after photos from the same angles. Many programs are first-come, first-served, so apply early in the fiscal year when funds are available.
Each program below has its own requirements and application link. Click through to the provider for current details. Rebate amounts and eligibility can change. If you are planning a native plant conversion, check our step-by-step lawn replacement guide for project planning tips.
1
Programs Tracked
$3,000
Max
1
Region Covered
Feb 2026
Last Verified
District of Columbia
1 program available
RiverSmart Rain Garden Rebate
DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) / Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Rebate of $41 per square foot of rain garden area. Gardens must have 1:10 ratio of garden area to impervious area (e.g., 50 sq ft garden manages 500 sq ft roof). Minimum 50 sq ft garden, 400 sq ft impervious area directed to it. Only Chesapeake Bay watershed native plants allowed.
Administered by Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay on behalf of DOEE. Reimbursement check 2–6 weeks after post-construction approval. RiverSmart Homes grant recipients may also be eligible for rebate funding.
Rebates in Other States
Planning a Native Yard? Pollinator Patch Can Help.
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, plan an HOA-conscious layout, and generate the documentation that rebate programs ask for.