RiverSmart Homes - Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the RiverSmart Homes program:

• Where in the District is the RiverSmart Homes program offered?

• Am I eligible for the RiverSmart Homes program?

• ​Is becoming a RiverSmart Homes going to cost me money?

• How does payment work for becoming a RiverSmart Home?

• Does becoming a RiverSmart Home impact my property tax assessment?

• How long does it take to become a RiverSmart Home?

• What is the process of becoming a RiverSmart Homes?

Where in the District is the RiverSmart Homes program offered?

The program is currently open city wide to all of the District of Columbia.

Am I eligible for the RiverSmart Homes program?

If you own a home with a yard in the District, either as a resident or as a landlord, you are eligible for having a RiverSmart Home. If you rent a home in the District, you must have your landlord’s consent to participate in the program.

Note: Large property complexes such as apartments, condos, and offices are currently not eligible for the RiverSmart Homes program.

Is becoming a RiverSmart Homes going to cost me money?

The RiverSmart Homes program provides you with a cost-savings of up to $1,200, but is not free-of-charge. So that you have some ownership of the landscaping work, the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) is asking for homeowners to pay a small percentage of their installation cost (usually around 10 percent of the potential total cost). Your break-down of co-payments include:

• Shade Trees = $50. The cost of the shade tree installation is estimated to be $300.
• Rain Barrels = $30. The cost of the rain barrel installation is estimated to be $300.
• BayScaping (native plants) = $100. The cost of the BayScaping varies depending on the size of the area landscaped. It can be up to $1,200.
• Rain Gardens = $75. The cost of a rain garden varies depending on the size of the area landscaped. It can be up to $1,200.
• Pervious Pavers = DDOE will pay the difference (up to $1,200) between conventional pavement (concrete) and pervious pavers.

How does payment work for becoming a RiverSmart Home?

You will pay your appropriate co-payment directly to the contractor(s) installing your RiverSmart Home landscape enhancements – i.e. shade trees, rain barrels, BayScaping, rain gardens or pervious pavers. Co-payment happens at the time of installation (see below for installation details).

Does becoming a RiverSmart Home impact my property tax assessment?

No.

How long does it take to become a RiverSmart Home?

After an audit of your property (see below for audit details) is completed, contractors should complete work on your property within 6-8 months.

What is the process of becoming a RiverSmart Homes?

Enroll in the RiverSmart Homes program either by calling DDOE at (202) 535-2252 or filling out the online application.  See Becoming a RiverSmart Homeowner for more details.

How can landscaping firms or landscape designers get involved in RiverSmart Homes?

Landscapers must attend a one-day training to become eligible to install the RiverSmart landscapes (BayScapes and rain gardens). This free training is held each fall and spring and will include a classroom session in the morning with a hands-on component in the afternoon. Topics will include goals and purpose of RiverSmart Homes, design and placement of gardens, and administrative requirements. In the afternoon, participants will assist in a rain garden installation at a RiverSmart Homes site. Please email Leah Lemoine to enroll the next landscaper's training. 

How can homeowners arrange to use their own landscaper?

Yes. If homeowners have a landscaper they are currently working with and would like to use her/him to install a RiverSmart feature, the landscaper will need to attend the one-day training offered each fall and spring (see above). Please email Leah Lemoine to enroll in the landscaper's training.