2. Apply (opens September 1, 2026) 

• Apply by January 15th, 2027 to be considered for 2027 funding. Application includes:
  • Application form (online).
  • Proposed site plan and plant list.
  • For rain gardens, a rain garden calculator worksheet (online).
• Wait for approval.
  • Projects with the greatest benefits to our community and environment will be funded.
  • We will notify you in February 2027 if your project is funded. 

3. Complete Your Project

• Follow all program standards provided in the Program Overview. For rain gardens, also follow all standards in the Rain Garden Handbook for Western WA. 
• Complete your project by December 31st, 2027.
• Request a final inspection once your project is complete.

4. Sign the Maintenance Covenant and Receive Your Rebate

• Submit receipts and invoices for eligible labor and materials.
• Sign the 10-year maintenance covenant. 
• Receive your rebate check by mail 3-6 weeks after signing the maintenance covenant. 

 5. Care for Your Garden and Enjoy!

• Maintain your garden. Every two years throughout the 10-year maintenance covenant, City staff will conduct garden checkups to ensure the garden is working as designed. 

Rebate Program Eligibility

A site visit is required before applying to confirm your project is eligible.

• For 2027 funding, site visits will take place between September 1^st – November 25, 2026.
• Site visits confirm that you have eligible area and an eligible project proposal

 A complete application must be submitted by January 15th, 2027. 

Projects must be on private property.

New projects only. Projects that have already started are not eligible. 

• The native landscaping rebate is only for areas that are currently lawn, invasive weeds, or hardscape. If you have already removed those areas, such as by sheet mulching, the project is not eligible. 

Projects must be at least 400 square feet.

• For rain gardens, this is 400 square feet of roof, driveway, or other hard surface that is directed into the rain garden.
• For native landscapes and de-pave, this is 400 square feet of garden.
• Several smaller gardens on one property can be created to reach 400 square foot minimum.

Projects must follow the design and installation standards listed in the Program Overview and, additionally for rain gardens, in the Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. Some common design standards that may limit your eligibility include

• Rain gardens must be 10’ from foundations, 5’ from utility lines, completely outside the branches of trees, and have a safe area for water to overflow to during extreme storms.
• Native landscape projects are only eligible in areas that currently have lawn or invasive weeds (see Washington State and King County noxious weed lists).

The project area must be where rainwater falls or flows.

•  Projects near the trunks of mature evergreen trees or any other area that does not receive rainwater are not eligible for the rebate. 

Property owner(s) must sign a 10-year covenant agreeing to maintain the garden(s). 

• The maintenance covenant allows City staff to inspect the garden to ensure they are maintained. Removal of a portion of the garden or failure to maintain can result in the repayment of the full rebate to City. The covenant stays with the title of the property. If the property is sold, it is the responsibility of the new owner(s) to maintain the garden for the remainder of the covenant's life. 

Before requesting a site visit, please read the Soak It Up Rebate Program Overview (especially pages 3-4).

From September 1 - November 25, 2026, site visits are reserved for those who believe they are eligible and intend to apply for the Soak It Up Rebate Program. A site visit must be completed during this time to apply for 2027 funding.

Request a site visit using this form!

If you are not eligible or do not plan to apply but would like resources or a site visit to help you complete a project on your own without rebate funding, please contact Christie Lovelace at CLovelace@ShorelineWA.gov or 206-801-2420.

Hold tight! Applications for 2027 funding will open September 1, 2026. 

 Before you apply, be sure to read the program overview and complete a site visit between September 1 and November 25, 2026. This is required to apply. You can use the link above to request a site visit. 

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Project Planning FAQs

• Do I need to follow any special design or planting requirements? Design standards for both rain gardens and native landscaping are contained in the program overview. Additional standards for rain gardens are provided in the Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington. 

• Can I apply for both a rain garden and native landscaping? The maximum rebate is up to $5,600 and based on project size. While you can include both a rain garden and a native landscape in your application, it will be considered one project with a potential rebate of up to $5,600. 

• Can I do the work myself? Yes. Your reimbursable expenses will be limited to eligible project materials. If you choose to do the work yourself, your labor hours cannot be reimbursed. 

• Do I need a permit? Typically, no. For some larger properties or projects, a permit may be needed. City staff can provide more information in these cases.

• Do I need to locate utilities? Yes. Always call 811 before digging.

• What’s considered a native plant? Native plants are those that have grown naturally in Washington for thousands of years and support local wildlife. City staff will provide resources, including native plant libraries and lists of native plant nurseries, to help you find native plants for your project. You can verify if a specific plant is native to Washington State here. 

• What is an invasive/noxious weed? Invasive/noxious weeds are not native and outcompete native plants, destroying natural ecosystems. Washington State and King County both have noxious weed lists. Any plant on either of these lists are considered an invasive/noxious weed under the Soak It Up program. These plants cannot be planted in gardens that receive Soak It Up funding, and must be kept out of the garden throughout the 10-year maintenance covenant. 

Rebate FAQs

• How much money can I get through the rebate? Rebates are calculated based on the size of your project:

• $7.00 per square foot
• 400 sq ft project = up to $2,800
• 800 sq ft project (max size) = up to $5,600

• Do I automatically get the maximum rebate? No. You’ll be reimbursed only for eligible expenses. For example:

• If your 800 sq ft project has $7,000 of eligible expenses→ You get the max rebate: $5,600
• If your 800 sq ft project has $4,000 of eligible expenses → You get: $4,000

• What kind of receipts do I need to submit? To receive reimbursement, your invoices and receipts must include:

• Purchase or service date (after your project is approved)
• What was purchased or what service was paid for
• Cost, tax, and payment method
• Proof of payment (e.g., receipt with credit card info or paid stamp)
• Vendor or contractor name

• What costs are eligible for reimbursement? Please read the program overview for a comprehensive list of eligible costs. If you are unsure if an expense is reimbursable, please contact City staff to verify. 

• Can I receive a rebate for a required stormwater mitigation project on my property? No. The rebate program is only for voluntary projects.

• Can I apply more than once? No. A property can only receive one rebate per lifetime.

• Is the rebate taxable? Yes. Please consult a tax professional for more information.

• When will I receive the rebate? Rebate checks are mailed 3–6 weeks after signing the maintenance covenant. 

Maintenance Covenant FAQs

• What is the required maintenance covenant? Program participants agree to maintain the Soak It Up garden(s) for ten years through a maintenance covenant. The maintenance covenant allows City staff to inspect the gardens to ensure they are maintained during this time. The maintenance covenant explains the specific maintenance activities required. Removal of the garden or failure to maintain the garden may result in repayment of the original rebate.

• What if I sell my property? The maintenance covenant stays with the property. The new owner becomes responsible for maintaining the garden with the purchase of the property. 

Save the Date!

Planning to apply for the Soak It Up program?

Join one of our free design workshops for help with:

• Choosing plants for your garden
• Creating a site plan (landscape design)
• Sizing your rain garden

If you need assistance developing your plant list, site plan, or sizing your rain garden for your Soak It Up application, join us at one of these workshops!

Workshop Dates (10 am - noon)

• November 14, 2026
• January 9, 2027

Registration opens September 1, 2026.