STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (RAIN GARDEN) TAX CREDIT

On January 7, 2008, the Anne Arundel County Council passed Bill 85-07, sponsored by Councilwoman Cathy Vitale. This legislation provides an opportunity for property owners to apply for a credit to their property taxes if they implement stormwater management techniques that reduce the overall runoff of stormwater on their property. This property tax credit is available to owners of residential or commercial properties in the County. The legislation as adopted provides for:

1. A property tax credit up to 10% of the cost of the material and installation of an approved stormwater management practice. The total amount of the credit is limited to $10,000.00 extended over a five-year period.
2. The management practice is not to be used to meet any requirement for stormwater management by state or county law. If you are already required by law to do something, no credit is available.
3. The acceptable practices are approved by the County's Office of Planning and Zoning, such as:
   • The removal of 20% of the existing impervious surfaces on the property. These could be done through the use of rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavers.
   • The use of rain barrels.
   • Any pre-manufactured best management practice that the Maryland Department of the Environment has approved.

As new materials and technologies present themselves, the list of approved methodologies will be periodically revised.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE TAX CREDIT

The process for applying for this tax credit is relatively simple. Send a letter of request along with a copy of the Property Tax Credit Application (obtainable through the Office of Finance) to the Planning and Zoning Officer, Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21403. Include in the letter information related to the product, technique, or methodology being used to reduce the stormwater runoff. Include any drawings of the property as appropriate to explain the intended management practice. Also include contact information (phone numbers, e-mail address, etc.).

If the stormwater management practice is acceptable, the Office of Planning and Zoning will issue a letter granting approval. The property owner can then proceed to implement the approved management practice. If the management practice requires a permit (grading, building), the property owner will be notified to apply for the appropriate permits.

Within forty-five days after the practice is implemented, the property owner can make application for the tax credit by sending the original Property Tax Credit Application and required attachments to the Office of Finance, Attention: Tax Billing Manager, P.O. Box 427, Annapolis, Maryland 21404.

Click here for Application