How to Get the Charlottesville Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP)

What you get

A cost-share program administered by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District for Charlottesville homeowners. Most stormwater and conservation practices, including rain gardens and native plant landscaping, are eligible for a 75% financial reimbursement, and participating practices may also lower the property stormwater utility fee. The city page does not publish a per-project dollar cap (City of Charlottesville / Thomas Jefferson SWCD; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: 75% financial reimbursement of project cost

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Charlottesville (Thomas Jefferson SWCD) customer
• Property located in: Charlottesville
• Property owner in the City of Charlottesville
• Eligible practice: rain garden, native plant landscaping, or other approved conservation practice
• Apply through the Thomas Jefferson SWCD (reimbursement after installation)

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 Charlottesville (Thomas Jefferson SWCD) 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.