How to Get the RiverSmart Permeable Surface Rebate
DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) · District of Columbia, DC
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
Before you start
Do not remove turf or begin work before you have written approval. This program requires pre-approval. Starting early can disqualify the project even if everything else is correct.
Full Washington guide
Washington has a complete rebate guide with every local program, qualifying plants, and a step-by-step application walkthrough.
Washington water rebates: full guideThe application checklist
How to apply for the RiverSmart Permeable Surface Rebate
These are the steps this application actually takes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Make sure you qualify with DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) before you start.
- 2
Get pre-approval if required
Some programs require approval before any work begins. Check with DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) and take before photos of the existing yard first.
- 3
Do the work
Complete the project, take before and after photos, and save every receipt.
- 4
Submit your application
Send DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) the completed application with your photos and receipts, then watch for the confirmation.
Get help applying
Want a hand with the application?
A 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder. He reads the RiverSmart Permeable Surface Rebate rules with you, tells you what to photograph and file first, and answers anything this page does not cover.
Confirm your project ZIP first. If this program does not serve your address, do not buy; check your city or utility on the rebates page instead.
One-time $29.99. Guidance, not filing: you submit to the program yourself. Not legal or financial advice. Rebate amounts and approval are decided by the program.
Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.
See a problem with a program? Report it
Programs change throughout the year. If something here is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll check it against the provider.