With the exception of rain barrels, applications for rebates shall commence with the beginning of Fiscal Year 2014. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis. The amount of a rebate provided shall not exceed the cost of the project. Lifetime rebate ceilings per property are $6,000 for residential projects and $20,000 for commercial, multi-family dwelling, home-owners associations, condominium associations, civic associations, non-profit entities and not-for-profit organizations. An applicant may do multiple projects until the rebate ceilings are met. Non-profit organizations may annually perform community projects up to the $20,000 ceiling that the Department of the Environment determines to be an eligible use of the funds. Community projects are those techniques performed by organizations that are established pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Community projects consist of stormwater management techniques that benefit the community and are located on public property. The Department of the Environment is authorized to enter into contracts with non-profit organizations and residential property owners for the purpose of financing Stormwater Management and Residential Resilience Retrofit Program projects. The purpose of the contracts is to provide upfront costs for the residential property owner who may otherwise not be able to afford to participate in the Program. Non-profit organizations shall pay the initial costs and are eligible to receive a rebate prior to construction with an approved application and an authorized property owner agreement. Prior to receiving the rebate, non-profit organizations shall be required to demonstrate capacity and resources to perform and complete the project pursuant to the Department of the Environment Rain Check Rebate regulations. The property owner shall pay the non-profit for the balance of the cost not covered by the rebate. The Department and non-profit organizations shall focus on communities with significant impervious surface coverage or where the Program has the potential to make an impact on residential flooding and quality of life. Contracts for payment of upfront costs are subject to the Program requirements set forth in Sections 32-201.01, 32-201.02, 32-201.03, 32-201.04, and 32-201.05 of this Subtitle. The Department shall provide applicants for residential rebates the maintenance guidelines for the project and available resources for technical assistance. The Department may require applicants for residential rebates to sign a voluntary property owner agreement to maintain the project. Applicants for a commercial or public use shall sign an operations and maintenance agreement for the project. The Department shall promulgate regulations to govern all aspects related to maintenance of the project over its useful life. Individual members of a housing cooperative may apply for rebates under the residential incentives category subject to Department regulations. In order to receive a rebate, an agreement shall be executed between the applicant and the County that shall allow the County to place promotional signage for the Program on their property, take and use photos, and do follow-up evaluations. There will also be a voluntary option to agreeing to participate in any project tours the County holds to promote the Program. The following techniques will be made available for rebates: Technique Residential One or more techniques may be installed for a lifetime maximum rebate of $6,000 per property. Commercial, Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, Civic Associations, Multi-Family Dwelling, Non Profits, Not-for-Profit Organizations One or more techniques may be installed for a lifetime maximum rebate of $20,000 per property. Urban Tree Canopy $150/tree $150/tree Rain Barrels $2/gallon stored (must capture 50 gallons) $2/gallon stored (Must capture 100 gallons) Cisterns $2/gallon stored, 250 gallons minimum $2/gallon stored, 250 gallons minimum Rain Garden $10/square foot minimum size 100 square feet $10/square foot minimum size 100 square feet Permeable Pavement $12/square foot $12/square foot 400 square foot minimum Pavement Removal $6/square foot $6/square foot; 400 square foot minimum Green Roofs $10/square foot; minimum ¼ roof retrofit $10/square foot - if less than 6" of planting material; $20/square foot - if over 6" of planting material; minimum ¼ roof retrofit Conservation Landscaping $5/square foot; minimum size 250 square feet $5/square foot; minimum size 250 square feet