Virginia Rebates
Virginia Native Landscaping Rebates
VCAP is Virginia's most powerful residential program — up to 80% cost-share ($7,000 max) for rain gardens and native landscaping throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Arlington adds ongoing stormwater bill credits. Contact your local SWCD to apply; Richmond-area residents use Chesterfield or Henrico SWCD.
Last updated: May 2026 · 4 programs tracked
4
Programs tracked
$7,000
Max (VCAP)
3
Regions covered
May 2026
Last verified
The quick version
- VCAP covers up to 80% of rain garden and conservation landscaping costs (max $7,000). Available statewide within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
- Arlington County offers ongoing stormwater bill credits (up to 35%) for native plantings and rain gardens. Re-certify every 2 years.
- Fairfax County: free native seedling sales and Plant NOVA Natives campaign. Contact NVSWCD for VCAP applications.
- Richmond metro: contact Chesterfield or Henrico SWCD for VCAP availability. RVAh2o provides water conservation resources.
- VCAP funding is subject to annual state budget approval. Check current availability with your local Soil and Water Conservation District.
How to apply for Virginia rebates
Most water conservation and turf replacement rebates require pre-approval before you start work. Apply first, then wait for confirmation. Starting before approval is the most common reason applications get denied. Take clear before photos of the area you plan to convert. After you complete the work, submit after photos from the same angles. Many programs are first-come, first-served, so apply early in the fiscal year when funds are available.
Each program below has its own requirements and application link. Click through to the provider for current details. Rebate amounts and eligibility can change. If you are planning a native plant conversion, check our step-by-step lawn replacement guide for project planning tips.
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
1 program available
Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Cost-share program covering up to 80% of installation costs (max $7,000) for rain gardens and conservation landscaping (native plantings, meadows, mulched beds, tree plantings). Available to residential properties in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
VCAP funding is subject to annual state budget approval. Check with your local Soil and Water Conservation District for current availability and rates, which may vary by district.
Richmond Metro
1 program available
RVAh2o Conservation Resources
City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides water conservation resources through RVAh2o. Henrico and Chesterfield county SWCD offices offer VCAP cost-share for rain gardens and native plantings.
VCAP (statewide) is available in the Richmond area through the local SWCD. Contact Chesterfield or Henrico SWCD offices for current availability.
Northern Virginia
2 programs available
Conservation Assistance Program (CAP)
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
Financial and technical assistance for conservation landscaping, rain gardens, and stormwater management. Covers reimbursement of actual installation costs. NVSWCD staff review your property and determine eligibility. Low-cost native seedling sales also available.
Fairfax County also promotes the Plant NOVA Natives campaign with guides at NativePlantCenter.net. Low-cost native trees and shrubs available through NVSWCD seedling sales.
Stormwater Utility Fee Credits
Arlington County
Ongoing stormwater utility bill credits for conservation projects. Rain gardens (min 100 sq ft): 10% credit. Conservation landscaping with native plants (min 150 sq ft): 5% credit. Credits also available for rain barrels, cisterns, dry wells, and permeable pavement. Credits capped at 35% total per property.
Credits are ongoing (applied each year) unlike one-time rebates. Re-certification every 2 years. Stormwater bill savings accumulate over time.
Rebates in other states
Related reading
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