How to Get the RiverSmart Permeable Surface Rebate

What you get

Reimburses $15 per square foot for permeable pavers and $8 per square foot for replacing impervious surface with vegetation, up to a $6,000 maximum per property. Important geographic limit: the rebate is funded only for properties in Wards 7 and 8 and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) area. No rebate funds are available for properties in the Combined Sewer System outside Wards 7 and 8. Wait for DOEE approval before starting construction (DC Department of Energy & Environment; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: $15/sq ft for permeable pavers, $8/sq ft for vegetation replacement, up to $6,000 per property

Are you eligible?

• Be a DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) customer
• Property located in: Washington
• DC homeowner removing impervious surface
• Rebate funded only for properties in Wards 7, 8, or the MS4 area (no funds for CSS properties outside Wards 7 and 8)
• Wait for DOEE approval before starting construction
• Pay upfront, install, then submit for reimbursement

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 DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) 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.