How to Get the Gaithersburg RainScapes Reward Program

What you get

Rebates of $10 per square foot for rain gardens (75 sq ft minimum) and $6 per square foot for conservation landscaping with soil improvement ($5 per square foot without; 200 contiguous sq ft minimum), up to a $5,000 cap per property owner for residential properties and not-for-profits. Limited to property owners within Gaithersburg city limits (City of Gaithersburg, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust; last verified June 2026).

• Residential: $10/sq ft rain gardens; $5-6/sq ft conservation landscaping; up to $5,000

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Gaithersburg (administered by Chesapeake Bay Trust) customer
• Property located in: Gaithersburg
• Property owner (or renter with documented permission) within Gaithersburg city limits
• Rain garden minimum 75 sq ft; conservation landscaping minimum 200 contiguous sq ft
• Pre-approval before 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 Gaithersburg (administered by Chesapeake Bay Trust) 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.