Introduction
The Rain Check Rebate Program
offers rebates to eligible applicants
that implement one or more of seven
practices: rain barrels, cisterns, rain
gardens, urban tree canopy,
pavement removal, permeable
pavement, and green roofs.
Deadline:
Rolling
Timeline:
Projects must be completed within
12 months
Rebate Requests up to:
$2,000 for individuals, $20,000 for
commercial, multi-family dwelling,
nonprofit, and not-for-profit groups
Submit Your Application by
following instructions at:
http://cbtrust.org/PrinceGeorgesRain
Check
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The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Trust) is proud to partner with Prince George’s
County on its Rain Check Rebate Program, offering incentives to homeowners,
businesses, and others to install practices that will improve stormwater runoff
quality, reduce runoff quantity, and improve our local streams and rivers.
Prince George’s County is committed to improving the quality of life for its
communities by promoting green solutions to stormwater runoff. Stormwater
runoff occurs when rain (or snowmelt) flows over the land picking up pollutants
such as oil, grease, sediment, and nutrients that make their way into local
streams and rivers. The Rain Check Rebate Program provides eligible applicants
the opportunity to receive rebates for installing approved stormwater
management practices. Homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit entities
(including housing cooperatives and churches) can recoup some of the costs of
installing practices covered by the program.
The Chesapeake Bay Trust promotes public awareness and participation in the
restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, awarding over
$60 million in grants since 1985. The Trust is supported by purchases of the
Treasure the Chesapeake license plates, the Chesapeake Bay Fund tax check-off
option on the Maryland State income tax form, donations from individuals, and
partnerships with government agencies and corporations. The Trust greatly
appreciates the support that makes our programs possible.
Eligible Applicants
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The following Prince George’s County-located entities are eligible for a rebate:
individual residences, individual members of a housing cooperative, commercial
businesses, multi-family dwellings, nonprofit organizations and not-for-profit organizations, including housing
cooperatives. Individual members of a housing cooperative may apply for rebates under the residential incentives
category. At this time, because the City of Bowie is managing its stormwater program independently of the County,
Bowie applicants are not eligible to participate in this program. Please check back into this program for possible future
updates on the status of availability to participate. Applicants in the Towns of Cheverly and University Park are eligible
for rain barrel, cistern, rain garden, permeable pavement, pavement removal, and green roof rebates through this program,
but for Urban Tree Canopy Projects, they should contact their Town’s Department of Public Works to participate in those
towns’ specific tree planting programs.
Eligible Project Types and Criteria
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Seven types of stormwater practices are eligible for rebates under the Rain Check Rebate Program. These seven practices
are defined on the following pages.
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Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are containers used to collect a portion of the rainwater that flows from your rooftop and stores it for later use
such as on your lawn and garden. Rain barrels are not for storing drinking water or water for use inside your home. By
capturing water from downspouts that would otherwise discharge onto a paved surface, rain barrels can reduce the amount
of runoff and pollutants reaching local streams. For projects on residential properties to qualify the rain barrel system must
capture at least 100 gallons of rainwater. For commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, and nonprofit or not-forprofit organizations, the rain barrel system must capture at least 200 gallons. Most rain barrels hold 55 gallons of water at
full capacity. Therefore, in most cases, more than one rain barrel will be required to qualify for a rebate.
Cisterns
A cistern is a sealed tank used to collect rainwater that flows from your rooftop and stores it for non-potable, exterior uses,
such as landscape irrigation and car washing. Generally larger than rain barrels, cisterns have capacities ranging from 100
gallons to several thousand gallons and can collect water from several downspouts, from a single roof, or from multiple
roofs. To qualify for a rebate through the Rain Check Rebate Program, your cistern must capture at least 250 gallons of
rainwater. This criterion is applicable to residential properties, commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, and
projects conducted by nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations. Rebates of $1 per gallon stored, up to a maximum of
$500, are available for individual residences. Rebates of up to $2,000 are available for projects associated with
commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, and nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations ($1 per gallon stored with a
250-gallon minimum).
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a planted shallow depression that uses water-tolerant native plants and landscaping to treat stormwater
flowing from downspouts or hard (impervious) surfaces, such as your driveway, patio, or sidewalk. Rain gardens allow
water to slowly seep into the ground, reducing the amount of water that flows directly into nearby storm drains, creeks, or
rivers. Rain gardens are an aesthetically attractive, low-tech, and inexpensive way for homeowners, communities, and
businesses to help reduce stormwater pollution in local streams and rivers. The maximum rebate for residential rain
gardens is $1,200 per rain garden. For nonresidential rain gardens, the maximum rebate is $1 per square foot of
impervious area treated or $2,500 per rain garden, whichever is greater. To qualify, rain gardens must:
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be at least 10 feet away from all structures;
be located downhill from the foundations of any structures;
drain water away from your home and your neighbors’ homes;
be at least 25 feet away from a septic field or a wellhead;
be exposed to full or partial sun, and
be in an area in which water can seep quickly enough into the soil so that it drains within 36 hours.
Urban Tree Canopy
The canopy of a tree or group of trees is the area of leaves and branches that create shade under the tree(s). Like umbrellas,
trees reduce the amount of sunlight and rain reaching the ground. Trees in urban environments are particularly important
for intercepting rainfall before it becomes stormwater runoff. Tree leaves, branches, and roots catch falling rain, filter out
pollutants, and absorb stormwater. Rebates of $150 per tree (up to $1,200 per lot) are available for individual residential
projects, and rebates of $150 per tree (up to $1,800 per lot) are available for multi-family dwellings, commercial
businesses, and nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations. To be eligible for a rebate, the following criteria must be met by
all tree planting projects:
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New trees must be planted on private property (not in the public right-of-way).
Trees must be planted between October 1 and May 1.
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Trees must be native species with the exception of ash (Fraxinus species), which is not recommended due to the
spread of the invasive emerald ash borer, an insect that kills ash trees.
At the time of planting, trees must be at least 5 feet tall.
Trees should be species that grow greater than 25 feet tall at maturity (defined as “shade trees”); however, where
larger trees are not appropriate due to spacing and property size, you may use smaller native trees.
Pavement Removal
Pavement removal is the replacement of impervious surfaces (such as asphalt and concrete) with grass, native plants, or
with permeable pavement and/or pavers. Instead of soaking into the soil (infiltrating) and replenishing groundwater,
rainfall that lands on driveways, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces rapidly accumulates in the form of runoff,
which often contains pollutants (sediment, chemicals, animal waste, trash, etc.). In urbanized areas, runoff typically enters
the storm drain system (underground pipes that carry stormwater to streams) and, ultimately, flows to the Chesapeake Bay.
Large expanses of impervious area are also associated with increased stream bank erosion and decreased water quality.
A rebate of $6 per square foot of pavement removed is available to residential property owners who remove a minimum
of 100 square feet of pavement and replace it with vegetation or other pervious surfaces such as permeable pavement or
pavers. The maximum rebate for individual residences is $1,200 (equivalent to 200 square feet). For commercial
properties, multi-family units, nonprofits, and not-for-profit organizations, a minimum of 300 square feet of pavement
must be removed. A rebate of $6 per square foot is available with a maximum rebate of $5,000 (equivalent to 833 square
feet).
Permeable Pavement
When rainwater falls on conventional pavement, such as concrete, it flows over this impervious surface as stormwater.
Permeable pavement allows stormwater to slowly seep through the surface (infiltrate), reaching the soil and groundwater
below. By allowing the water to infiltrate the soil, stormwater pollution and stream bank erosion are decreased, which in
turn improves water quality. A variety of permeable pavement materials are available and a rebate of $6 per square foot
of pavement is available to applicants. To be eligible for a rebate through the Rain Check Rebate Program, the area on
which you install permeable pavement must currently be an impermeable surface, and must be at least 100 square feet in
residential applications and 350 square feet for multi-family, commercial, nonprofit, or not-for-profit applications. No
rebates will be granted for projects that establish permeable pavement over existing permeable surfaces.
Green Roof
A green roof is a low-maintenance, vegetated roof system that stores rainwater in a lightweight, engineered soil medium.
The stored water either evaporates from the roof top or is taken up by plants. As a result, compared to a conventional
rooftop of the same area, much less water runs off of a green roof. To be eligible for a rebate, your green roof must be at
least 300 square feet or one-quarter of the total roof area (whichever is smaller). The rebate for “extensive” residential
green roofs (defined as 6 inches or less of planting material) is $10 per square foot. For commercial businesses, multifamily dwellings, nonprofits, or not-for-profit organizations, the rebate is $10 per square foot for an “extensive” green
roof or $20 per square foot for an “intensive” green roof (defined as 6 inches or more of planting material). The green
roof must replace an existing traditional roof area rather than expanding the original roof footprint. A structural load
analysis report from a licensed structural engineer is required for approval.
Application Process
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Step 1: Select the practice(s) you wish to install.
Step 2: Review the practice guidelines at www.cbtrust.org/PrinceGeorgesRainCheck.
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Step 3: Submit an application by following the instructions at www.cbtrust.org/PrinceGeorgesRainCheck. To be eligible
for a rebate, applicants for all projects (except rain barrels) must submit an application and be approved by the Trust prior
to implementation. Applicants seeking rebates for rain barrel projects may apply up to 12 months after installation.
Step 4: Attend a pre-implementation site visit (except for rain barrel projects) and receive approval from the Trust. An
application may be fully awarded, partially awarded (if, for example, an ineligible budget amount is requested), declined,
or placed on hold for more information. If approved, the Trust will send a rebate agreement letter with rebate conditions.
Step 5: Apply for permits, if required. Most projects will not require permits. However, if a project on its own or in
conjunction with a concurrent project on your property involves any of the following activities, a permit is likely required:
 5,000 square feet or more of ground is disturbed;
 100 cubic yards or more of earth moving occurs ; or
 12-inch change (+/-) in grade that alters drainage flow.
Step 6: Complete the project within 12 months and submit all receipts and invoices, and copies of final permit inspections
(if applicable) by the due date to the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Step 7: Accept a request from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for a completed project inspection.
Step 8: Receive rebate check.
Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Maximum Rebate Request, Eligible Costs, and Ineligible Costs
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A rebate request cannot exceed the cost of the project. The maximum rebate per property is $2,000 for residential
properties and $20,000 for commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, nonprofit entities, not-for-profit organizations,
and housing cooperatives. An applicant may complete multiple projects until the property rebate ceiling is met.
Nonprofit organizations established pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may implement eligible
stormwater management projects on public property that benefit the community up to the $20,000 ceiling.
Only costs associated with the stormwater functions of a project are eligible for reimbursement. Related structural
features of a project that do not directly play a role in the treatment of stormwater are not eligible for a rebate. Examples
include benches; decorative items such as boulders, walkways, bridges, and other similar items. Itemized, detailed
invoices must be submitted to the Trust upon the completion of the project.
Applicants will not be eligible for a rebate under this program if the project is part of the permit approval
requirements for new building construction or renovations, or if the property is located within a municipality that
has a similar rebate program for stormwater management projects.
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Table 1: Minimum Project Sizes and Maximum Rebate Request
Project Type
Individual Residence or Individual
Commercial, Multi-Family Dwelling,
Members of a Housing Cooperative
Nonprofit, Not-for-Profit Organization,
Housing Cooperative
Minimum Size
Maximum Rebate
Minimum Size
Maximum Rebate
Amount per Unit
Amount per Unit
Rain Barrel
Must capture
$50/rain barrel
Must capture 200
$100/rain barrel
100 gallons
gallons
Cistern
250 gallons per
$1/gallon up to
250 gallons per
$1/gallon up to
cistern
$500 per cistern
cistern
$2,000 per cistern
Rain Garden
No minimum
$1,200
No minimum size
$1/sq.ft. of
size
impervious area
treated or $2,500
(whichever is
greater)
Urban Tree Canopy
Minimum tree
$150/tree, up to
Minimum tree
$150/tree, up to
height of 5 ft.
$1,200 per lot (8
height of 5 ft.
$1,800 per lot (12
trees)
trees)
Pavement Removal
100 sq.ft.
$6/sq.ft up to
300 sq.ft.
$6/sq.ft up to
$1,200
$5,000
Permeable Pavement 100 sq.ft.
$6/sq.ft up to
300 sq.ft.
$6/sq.ft up to
$1,200
$5,000
Green Roof
300 sq.ft. or ¼
$10/sq.ft.
300 sq.ft. or ¼
$10/sq.ft. if
total roof area
total roof area
planting height is
less than 6 inches;
$20/sq.ft. if
planting height is
greater than 6
inches
Maximum Rebate
$2,000
$20,000
Allowed per
Property
*The rebate amount will be the maximum rebate allowed or the actual cost, whichever is lower.
Application Submission Instructions
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To apply online, follow the instructions at www.cbtrust.org/PrinceGeorgesRainCheck. If you have not registered to use
this new system click on “New Applicant” and follow the on-screen instructions. Online applications are preferred.
To apply via paper application, download the forms at www.cbtrust.org/PrinceGeorgesRainCheck and mail to Prince
George’s Rain Check Rebate Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, 60 West Street, Suite 405, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Completed forms must contain the original signatures of the applicant.
When completing the online application process, you will be asked for the following information. It is suggested that you
gather this information before you login to the system.
Personal Information
1) Name
2) Address
3) Contact Information
Property Information
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1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Property Tax Account Number
Address
Property Type (residential, commercial, etc.)
Lot Size (in square feet)
If Commercial, Tax ID number
If Residential, whether property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA)
County District Number
Rebate and Project Information
1) Project Type (cistern, green roof, pavement removal, permeable pavement, rain barrel, rain garden, urban tree
canopy)
2) Project Goal (receive a rebate; solve a drainage problem; reduce stormwater runoff; reduce water usage; reduce
watering costs; reduce maintenance; reduce energy costs; shading; expanding existing tree canopy; aesthetics;
learn about a new form of gardening; reduce paved area; create or enhance landscaping, garden or lawn; other)
3) Project Designer (do it yourself, contractor, nonprofit organization)
4) Total Rebate Requested
5) Project Start and End Date
6) Contractor Information, if applicable (name, phone number, email, address)
Supporting Documents
*Required unless noted otherwise
1) Photos of the site prior to implementation of the project
2) Completed Property Owner Agreement Form - This form allows Prince George’s County and Chesapeake Bay
Trust staff to place promotional signage on the property for the Rain Check Rebate Program, take photographs of
the property for possible publication, and conduct follow-up evaluations as needed.
3) For Residential Property (within HOAs only) - HOA Approval Letter
4) For Vegetation Projects Only – (rain garden, urban tree canopy, pavement removal projects that involve
vegetation, and green roofs) - Detailed Planting Plan
5) For Green Roof Projects – A professional engineer’s stamped plan of the roof design
6) For Nonprofit Applicants working on Third Party Property Only - Approved Third Party Agreement
As described in the Application Submission Instructions, some projects will require permits. The applicant is responsible
for acquiring all necessary permits with the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and
Enforcement (DPIE). While permits need not be in hand at the time of application for the rebate, the final inspection
report from DPIE must be submitted before a rebate check can be issued and will, therefore, be a condition of the rebate
award.
Project Goals
* For the remainder of your application, complete only the sections that apply to your project.
1) Number of Rain Barrels Installed
2) Number of Cisterns Installed
3) Square Feet of Rain Garden Constructed
4) Number of Native Plants Planted
5) Number of Native Trees Planted
6) Square Feet of Impervious Surface Removed
7) Square Feet of Impervious Surface Treated
8) Square Feet of Green Roof Installed
9) Square Feet of Pervious Surface Installed
Rain Barrel or Cistern Projects
1) Will you be installing rain barrel(s) or cistern(s) or both?
2) Please provide the following information regarding roof size and drainage area:
a. Total area of the roof (in square feet): area = length x width
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b. Area of roof that will drain into rain barrel/cistern (in square feet): area = length x width
3) Describe the size and make of the cistern
a. What size (in gallons) rain barrel/cistern do you intend to use?
b. Do you intend to have more than one rain barrel/cistern? How many?
c. How much water (in gallons) do you intend to capture on the property? (Minimum of 100 gallons for
residential rain barrels, 200 gallons for commercial rain barrels, 250 gallons for cisterns)
4) What is the intended configuration? (stand-alone or multiple rain barrels/cisterns)
5) Where do/does the existing downspout(s) currently drain (grass, driveway, underground, street, or other)
6) Please briefly describe the steps you will undertake to complete the project
Rain Garden Projects
1) Please report on the outcome of a brief infiltration test described below. This infiltration test is not complicated
and homeowners can do it themselves.
 Step 1: Dig a 2’ deep and 1’ wide drainage test pit in the same area that the proposed rain garden is to be
built. Fill it with water. How many hours does it take to drain? (“Passing” is considered less than 24
hours.)
 Step 2: Within 12 hours of the same hole used in Step 1 emptying, fill the hole with water a second time.
How many hours does it take to drain this second time? (“Passing” is considered less than 36 hours.)
If your site passes both Step 1 and Step 2, you do not need to include an underdrain system. If your site passes
Step 1 but fails Step 2, you are encouraged, but not required, to discuss underdrain systems or other alternatives
with a contractor. If your site fails Step 1, you will likely need to include an underdrain system or pursue another
alternative practice, and you should discuss this with a qualified contractor.
2) Please briefly describe the rain garden design
a. Will the system contain an underdrain? Where will the underdrain discharge?
b. What is the average area? (length x width in square feet)
c. What is the average depth? (in feet or inches from existing grade)
d. Drainage area dimensions: What is the area of impervious surface that will drain into the rain garden?
(length x width in square feet)
3) Please include a detailed planting plan that includes:
a. Type of soil mix (lbs.)
b. Mulch type and quantity (lbs. or yards)
c. Plants
i. Number of plants
ii. Plant species
iii. Plant sizes (as measured in pot size or height)
iv. Plant spacing/density (number per square foot)
d. Quantity and location of other materials, if applicable:
i. Drain stone
ii. Pipe
iii. Overflow stone
iv. Other, please specify
4) How will you dispose of the excavated soil and turf? (Recycle on site (use for berm construction, spread in yard,
compost), take to a landfill, removal by construction waste removal company, other)
5) Please briefly describe the steps you will undertake to complete the project
Urban Tree Canopy Projects
1) Please describe the following:
a. Number of trees to be planted
b. Species of trees to be planted
c. Tree spacing and density
d. Size of trees to be planted (you may measure in pot size, tree height, and/or caliper of tree (the diameter at
the base of the tree))
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2) Please briefly describe the steps you will undertake to complete the project
Pavement Removal and/or Permeable Pavement Projects
1) With what do you intend to replace the pavement? (turf or lawn, native plants, rain garden, permeable
pavement/pavers, other)
a. If you intend to plant the area, provide a detailed plan including:
i. Number of plants
ii. Plant species
iii. Plant sizes (as measured in pot size or height)
iv. Plant density/spacing (number per square foot)
b. If you intend to install permeable pavers:
i. What types of pavement/pavers do you intend to install? What is the make and manufacturer of
the pavement/paver system?
ii. Will the system include stormwater storage? If so, how will the system discharge stored
stormwater? (infiltration, underdrain, discharge to open area, tie into public storm drain system)
c. Please provide the following information:
i. Total area of pavement on property (in square feet, area = length x width)
ii. Total area of pavement to be removed and replaced with either vegetation or permeable
pavement/pavers
d. How will you dispose of the pavement? (recycle on site (please describe how), take to waste transfer
station, disposal by construction waste removal company, other)
2) Please briefly describe the steps you will undertake to complete the project
Green Roof Projects
*All green roof projects will require a stamped structural analysis of the roof system from an engineer.
1) Please provide the following information:
a. Total area of the roof (in square feet, area = length x width)
b. Intended planting depth (in inches)
c. Total cubic feet of the project (planting depth x area of roof divided by 12)
2) What is the make and manufacturer of the green roof system and components, and what type of system do you
intend to install? (integral, modular, plug, other)
3) Please briefly describe the steps you will undertake to complete the project
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