The Site Visit Request Form is CLOSED for the 2023-2024 program year.
Your home must have been built before 2003 to be eligible for this program
As a Howard County resident, you can make a big impact on reducing stormwater pollution by increasing the amount of surfaces on your property that absorb stormwater runoff. In addition to protecting the environment by reducing runoff, you'll also have the opportunity to reduce your Watershed Protection Fee and be reimbursed for your projects.
Check out the recording of our Information Session to get an in depth explanation of the CleanScapes Program, timeline, process and other information!
CleanScapes Info Session Recording
CleanScapes Program Timeline:
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Site Visit Request Period: Opens April 1st
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The Site Visit Request Form will remain open until all spots are reserved (75).
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You will need to identify some features on or near your site. Please use these instructions to assist you.
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Beginning in July we will review the requests, assign and set up visits with homeowners.
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Site Visits: August 1 – September 13
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This includes conducting site visits (75) and providing recommendations to homeowners.
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Project Proposals and Project Application: September 14 – November 30
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This includes time for homeowners to reach out to contractors with the recommendations from their site visit. Projects must be installed by a licensed contractor.
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You can find a list of contractors HERE.
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Contractors should provide homeowners with a project design and estimate, with key information for project application.
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Homeowners will submit a Project Application on the Clean Water Howard website including a Project Detail Sheet for each project they would like to have installed. Here are the specific requirements for each project BMP type.
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Project Review & Project Approvals – December 1 – February 14
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A Technical Review Committee (TRC) will review all applications and evaluate them for environmental benefits and available funding.
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At this time, the TRC may reach out to contractors for clarification on project elements and costs.
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All homeowners and contractors will be notified via email primarily, or written letter if email is not available, of project approval by 2/14.
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Installations and Reimbursement Requests– February 15 – June 15
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Weather and project type dependent, homeowners may start coordinating with their project contractor on an installation date starting 2/15.
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Once a project is installed, the homeowner should submit a reimbursement request on the CWH website.
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This includes filling out and signing the Credit and Reibursement Agreement.
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Inspections and Reimbursements - April 1 - June 30
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Post installation inspections will occur on a rolling basis starting 4/1.
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Reimbursements will be processed on a bi-weekly basis starting 4/15.
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Notes:
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Installations and Reimbursement Requests can occur on a rolling basis starting February 15. The final day to submit a reimbursement request is 6/15.
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Inspections will start April 15 and end June 30.
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All project applications must be submitted by November 30th
Reimbursements will not be granted for:
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Items not related to the project, or in excess of project needs
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For items installed before the program start date of November of 2011
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We cannot grant credit or reimbursement for structural BMPs installed at the time of development. These items are required by development regulations.
Contact us with any questions: jcostantino@howardcountymd.gov
We updated our CleanScapes program timeline and process which began July 1, 2020. This update improved several aspects of our programs and streamlined processes including:
(***Including a 100% reimbursement for property owners demonstrating a hardship as defined here on page 11)
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A single, simplified residential program
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Opportunity for low-income residents to receive a higher reimbursement rate