How to Get the Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP)

What you get

Reimbursement of up to $2.00 per square foot improved for eligible native-landscaping and stormwater projects (mulching and planting lawn areas, rain gardens) for Lake Whatcom watershed residents within Bellingham city limits. A lower-touch DIY Native Landscaping tier reimburses $1.30 per square foot with no maximum. Projects can qualify for thousands of dollars (Lake Whatcom HIP, last verified June 2026).

• Residential: Up to $2.00/sq ft improved (DIY native-landscaping tier $1.30/sq ft)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Bellingham + Whatcom Conservation District customer
• Property located in: Bellingham
• Property in the Lake Whatcom watershed within Bellingham city limits
• Convert/mulch and plant eligible lawn area (e.g. at least 250 sq ft of a 1,000 sq ft lawn)
• Apply and get approval before starting

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of Bellingham + Whatcom Conservation District and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.