District homeowners who remove impervious surfaces and replace them with permeable pavement or re-vegetate them to reduce and/or treat stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces on their property are eligible for a rebate.

There are two types of projects, each designed to capture and filter stormwater. When determining which is most suitable for your home, it is helpful to consider the characteristics of your property and how to plan to use the space. Rebate amounts are determined by project type and are issued as a direct reimbursement to homeowners once the project is completed, inspected, and approved.

Eligible projects
Replacement of impervious surface with vegetation: impervious surface is removed and ground is tilled and planted with vegetation. Native plants are strongly recommended. Garden, sod, grass seed/straw are also allowed.

Replacement of impervious surface with permeable pavers: impervious surface is removed and replaced with permeable pavers, often a patio or parking area, designed to capture and filter stormwater on property.

How It Works
The Permeable Surface Rebate Program is administered by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (the Alliance) on behalf of DOEE. Funding is limited so rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Impervious Surface Removal
Impervious surfaces removed and replaced with vegetation are eligible for a $8 per sq. ft. rebate.

Existing soil must be tilled and mixed so that it is no longer compacted, as well as vegetated (garden, sod, seed/straw). Stormwater received from a downspout or rain barrel/cistern overflow is preferred, but not required. Homeowners may perform work themselves or hire a contractor.

To qualify:

• A minimum of 200 square feet of impervious surface must be removed and replaced with vegetation (garden, sod, seed/straw).
   

Permeable Pavers
Impervious surfaces removed and replaced with permeable pavers are eligible for a $15/sq. ft. rebate.

To qualify:

• A minimum of 100 square feet of impervious surface must be removed and replaced with permeable pavers;
• Permeable paver area must receive stormwater from a downspout or rain barrel/cistern overflow; and
  Installation must be completed by a contractor with the PICP Record of Completion from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.
   

Visit doee.dc.gov/service/permeablesurfacerebate to learn how to start the rebate process.