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Green Stormwater Infrastructure Rain gardens are one of many green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) techniques that assist homeowners with managing rainwater runoff on their property. One aspect of the program is offering homeowners a rebate for installing approved rain gardens on their property. Other elements of GSI include the use of rain barrels and, when viable, disconnecting downspouts and redirecting rainwater to a rain barrel or other permeable surfaces. Let it Rain Program rain garden rebates 2018 What is the rain garden rebate program? This program is being offered by the City of Everett to help supplement the cost of installing a pre‐approved voluntary rain garden. This is a program is available to Everett residents and the rebate will cover up to $2,500 of project costs for residential properties only. How can I participate in the program? Twenty rebates are available annually. Information about and steps to receive a rebate are available at everettwa.gov/raingardens or call 425‐ 257‐8992 to see how you qualify. What are the eligibility requirements? You must be located within the Everett city limit. A free site assessment of your yard will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of installing a rain garden on your property. A soil infiltration test will then need to be performed by the property owner to further determine if your site is acceptable. Do I have to do the work myself? How you chose to design and install your rain garden is entirely up to you. The City can assist with planning and designing the rain garden. The installation of your rain garden can be done by you, volunteers or a contractor. You can also hire a contractor to do the entire process (design, planning and installation). The rebate will cover up to $2,500 of project costs whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor. Is there a set schedule for participating in the program? Yes. Fall is the optimal time of year to plant a rain garden therefore the rebate program has a set yearly timetable. Site assessments and soil infiltration tests are best done in early spring when the ground is still wet. Rain garden applications are due in July/August. Once approved, homeowners can start installing their rain garden with notification to city staff. Rebate invoicing should be turned in by the end of the calendar year. Will the rebate cover the cost of removing impervious paving/asphalt? No. The soil below impervious surfaces are likely compacted so it is better to locate the garden in a different location where the soil can infiltrate at an acceptable rate. Will the rebate cover the cost of removing a tree if it is in the way of a rain garden? No. Trees have stormwater value as well. It is better to keep a tree to catch and absorb rain and locate your rain garden in a different place to achieve additional stormwater management Frequently Asked Questions – rebate program Let it Rain program rain garden rebate ---PAGE BREAK--- Will the rebate cover the cost of removing a tree if it is in the way of a rain garden? No. Trees have stormwater value as well. It is better to keep a tree to catch and absorb rain and locate your rain garden in a different place to achieve additional stormwater management Can a rain garden be used to capture water only from my alley? Alley runoff can contribute to your installed rain garden but most of the runoff should be coming from house downspouts and should only be installed in areas that drain well and pass the soil infiltration test. How long does it take to get my rebate? We can generally issue a rebate with six to eight weeks provided the rebate application paperwork is complete and any deficiencies noted during the final inspection of the installed rain garden have been corrected. Frequently Asked Questions – rain gardens What is a rain garden? Rain gardens are shallow depressions that use soils and plants to manage runoff from impervious surfaces like rooftops. What maintenance is required for a rain garden? Short term maintenance includes watering, weeding and annual mulching. After a few years, when the vegetation has established, the maintenance will decrease. What is the size of a rain garden? The size and shape of your rain garden can vary and will be in proportion to the amount of runoff from your roof you divert to the rain garden. Do I get to choose where on my property to place the rain garden? Yes. Placement of the rain garden could be anywhere in your yard as long as it meets the program requirements. Stay away from all known utilities that service your home such as your water, sewer, cable, gas, etc. Your rain garden should be at least 10 ft. from any building foundation. What is the life expectancy of a rain garden? Rain gardens get better with age. As the plants grow, microbes in the soil multiply and your garden will absorb and filter stormwater more and more effectively. Once established, they can last many years. Do rain gardens attract mosquitoes? No, a rain garden is not a pond. It is designed to drain the standing water within a day or two, not enough time for mosquito larvae to hatch. Be sure to observe the rain garden once operational to confirm that it is draining properly. Can kids or pets play in the rain garden? No. Keep children and pets out of rain gardens, as the soils need to stay loose so they remain absorbent and walking on them will cause soil compaction. After a rain event, there can be some standing water and this could be a danger to very small children. Rain garden tours We encourage you to take a self‐guided walking tour of the rain gardens in North Everett. Explore the diverse rain garden designs created and installed by local homeowners. Rain gardens come in a variety of shapes, colors and plant choices. A list of viewable rain gardens through the Puget Sound is available at the following website: www.12000raingardens.org The City of Everett would like to thank Seattle Public Utilities RainWise program for the use of their printed material.