1. Schedule a site visit to determine if your property is eligible. City staff will discuss your ideas and eligible options for your property. 

ShorelineWA.Gov/SoakItUp
 206-801-2420

2. Submit an application. Send completed applications to clovelace@shorelinewa.gov or send a hard copy to Shoreline City Hall, Attn: Christie Lovelace, 17500 Midvale AVE N., Shoreline, WA 98133.

3. Wait for project approval. City staff will review your application and either (1) request additional information or revisions or (2) send email approval. Do not begin earthwork (digging rain garden or removing lawn/hardscape/invasive plants) until you receive project approval from City staff. Any costs incurred before project approval will not be eligible for reimbursement. 

4. Begin and complete project. Completed project must reflect the project outlined in the approved application and follow construction guidelines outlined in the program overview (this document) and the Rain Garden Handbook. Project changes can be allowed, but approval is needed by City staff. Reach out to City staff before modifying an approved project. 

Applicants have one year from the approval date to complete the project. Extensions may be possible. Contact City staff as soon as you think you may need an extension to request one. 

5. Request a post-construction inspection. City staff will inspect the completed garden(s) and ensure it matches the approved applications and passes all construction criteria. Failure to install garden(s) that reflect the approved application and meet the required construction criteria may result in a reduced rebate or no rebate. This is rare. City staff will work with property owner to correct any issues.

6. Submit detailed receipts and/or invoices. Submit all detailed receipts and invoices that you are requesting reimbursement for along with the reimbursement form (pg. 14).

7. Covenant signing. The covenant signing can be completed at City Hall at no-cost. All property owners on title must be present and sign the covenant. A W-9 will be completed at this time. Please know the rebate may be considered taxable income.

8. Rebate check issued. Upon covenant signing and W-9 submittal, a rebate check is mailed to the property owner generally within 3-6 weeks. 

Check out the Soak It Up Introductory workshop video recording! This workshop covers: 

1. Schedule a site visit — City staff check if your property qualifies and discuss options.
2. Submit your application with site plan and plant list.
3. Wait for approval — Don’t start work until you get the green light.
4. Complete your project within one year, following guidelines.
5. Request a final inspection to confirm the project meets requirements.
6. Send in receipts for eligible expenses.
7. Sign the maintenance covenant.
8. Rebate check mailed 3-6 weeks after covenant signing.
9. City staff visit garden every two years during the ten year maintenance covenant to ensure it is being maintained.

• Do I need to follow any special design or planting requirements?
  Yes. Rain gardens must meet required setbacks, and both types of projects must meet minimum soil depth, tilling, planting, and mulching standards. This information is available in the program overview. Staff will also go over these during your consultation.

• Can I apply for both a rain garden and native landscaping?
  Yes, but the total rebate per property is still capped at $5,600.

• Can I do the work myself?
  Yes. You can do it yourself or hire a landscaper.

• Can I apply for a rebate if I’ve already started work?
  No. Only new projects can qualify for the rebate. You must get City approval before beginning a project.

• Where can I put it?

  City staff will help you choose locations for rain gardens and native landscapes during the free site visit. Some general requirements:

  • The gardens must be on private property. They cannot be in the right-of-way.
  • The gardens must be outside of the branches of trees. This protects critical tree roots from deep tilling or excavation.
  • Rain gardens have several other requirements, including required distance from utility lines and foundations.
  • Native landscapes can be placed where there is currently lawn, hard surfaces, or invasive weeds. Existing garden beds, open soil, and mulched areas do not qualify because they already soak up rainwater effectively.

• Do I need a permit?
  Usually 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. 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.

• What is an invasive weed?
  Any plant on the Washington State or King County weed lists. These can’t be planted and must be kept out of the garden throughout the 10 year maintenance covenant. 

• 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 costs $7,000 → You get the max: $5,600
• If your 800 sq ft project costs $4,000 → You get: $4,000

• What kind of receipts do I need to submit?
  To get reimbursed, your receipts must include:

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

• What costs are eligible for reimbursement?
  You can get reimbursed for:

• Native plants, compost (up to 3" deep), rain garden soil (up to 24" deep), and mulch (up to 4" deep)
• Downspout or drainage connection materials
• Small container plants (up to 2 gallons, $30 max per plant)
• Trees (5-gallon size or smaller, $150 max per tree unless pre-approved)
• Rental tools
• Labor and disposal for removing lawn, hardscape, or invasive plants
• Soaker hose or drip irrigation systems
• Edging to keep lawn out of garden beds
• Contractor work (must be licensed in WA and Shoreline)

• What costs are not eligible for reimbursement? You won’t be reimbursed for:

• Items used outside your approved project area
• Too much compost, mulch, or soil
• Chemicals like fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides
• Equipment you buy (like shovels or rakes)
• Clothing or gear (like gloves or boots)
• Your own or volunteer labor
• Decorative features (like lighting, ponds, pavers, pergolas, or garden art)
• Memberships or dues for stores or rental companies

• What if I’m not sure a cost is eligible?
  Contact City staff before purchasing—some items may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

• 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. The limit is one rebate per property.

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

• When do I get the rebate?
  Typically 3–6 weeks after signing the maintenance agreement.

• 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 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.