Stormwaterutility@arlingtonva.us | Visit our Website

*** Attend the Upcoming Stormwater Utility Q&A Session this Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. ***

Stormwater Utility Fee Rate

On April 9, the County Board adopted the CY 2025 Stormwater Utility fee rate at $258 -- no change from the CY 2024 rate per equivalent residential unit (ERU). The first installment real estate bills were due June 15; the second installment is due October 5.

Disputes Process

The dispute period is open for second installment bills. The deadline to submit disputes is Monday, Oct. 20.

Dispute submissions must be filed through the County's Request Service/Report a Problem tool. They may only be submitted within 45 days of the bill issuance.

The acceptable reasons for filing a dispute application are as follows:

(1) an error was made regarding the square footage of impervious area;

(2) an error was made regarding the number of units for Multi-Family (MF) property;

(3) an error regarding customer class;

(4) fee for property should be waived based on Section 26-120 of County Code;

(5) or an approved credit was incorrectly applied.

Recertification for 2026-27 Credit Renewal

Take action in 2025 to recertify credit(s) for your 2026 Stormwater Utility bill. Applicants who received one of the following credits in 2024 will need to recertify their credit type during the next application period, opening November 1, to continue receiving the credit for 2026–2027:

• Conservation Landscaping

• Rain garden

• Rainwater Collection

• Permeable Driveways

A courtesy notice has been sent to those who qualify for recertification of one of the above credit types. Please note: Recertification does not begin until November 1, but new photos must be taken during the summer growing season for conservation landscaping and rain gardens. Review the credit re-certification guidelines in the Credit Manual for information on what must be submitted with your renewal application.

Are you planning to apply for a new credit this upcoming credit period? Or did you receive an ongoing voluntary credit (listed above) during the 2023–24 application period and need to recertify this year? We're holding monthly Q&A sessions through October to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the next Q&A session.

Explore the Updated Stormwater Utility Credit Manual

English | Spanish (coming soon)

Learn about credit options and required documentation.

Take our pre-screening survey to see if you will qualify for credit ahead of the application period opening, Nov. 1, 2025.

Tree Planting Credit Information

Thinking about applying for the tree planting credit in the upcoming credit application period? Make sure you meet the following requirements to qualify:

• Trees must be newly planted and native. You can check if your tree is native using the Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora.
• Must have at least a 1” caliper trunk or be 3” in diameter
• Make sure you know the minimum number of trees required (see below for details).

Stormwater Customer Class and Minimum Number of Trees for Credit

Single-family residential - attached | 1 native shade tree

Single-family residential - detached: Tiers 1-3 | 2 native shade trees

Single-family residential - detached: Above the cap | 3 native shade trees

Multi-family residential | 4 native shade trees per property

Non-residential | 4 native shade trees per property

Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale

Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This sale is organized by volunteers with the goal to promote native plant gardening in our neighborhoods to support our watershed, our woodlands, and our wildlife, especially birds.  Bringing together many growers selling a variety of plants makes it easier for neighborhood gardeners to find quality plants and encourages a greater demand for natives in the nursery industry. Native plant nurseries from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C. will be hosted at the sale. Learn More.

The Church of St. Clement 1701 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA  22302

Fall Free Tree Distribution (while supplies last)

The Arlington County Dept. of Parks and Recreation is providing 500 young native trees to Arlington residents at no cost this fall. The trees you plant are part of the mission to expand and enhance Arlington’s urban tree canopy. This annual program is very popular and has yielded many beautiful trees and benefited our community.  Online tree reservations may be made now, while supplies last. Limit of one (1) tree total per residential property. For more information about the tree distribution program, click here. The tree must be picked up on Saturday, 10/18 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. or Tuesday, 10/21 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The tree pickup location is behind Tucker Field at 4208 S. Four Mile Run Dr.

Despite Arlington’s existing lot coverage and stormwater management regulations, impervious area is increasing Countywide, especially in residential areas. Impervious area increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat, which are the two most dangerous weather threats facing Arlington today.

To help mitigate these risks and improve climate resilience, Arlington is considering the adoption of a maximum impervious area requirement in lower density, residentially zoned areas. The County Board has directed staff to study potential amendments to the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO) to support Arlington's goals to improve the stormwater system and expand the tree canopy. Learn more at arlingtonva.us/lowresidentialstudy or attend an upcoming engagement event this fall!

• Virtual Q&A session this Friday, Sept. 19 at 12 p.m. with project leads, Aileen Winquist and Nick Rogers;
• a pop-up at Green Valley Day on Sept. 20;
• a pop-up at Westover Day on Oct. 4;
• an open house at Lubber Run Community Center on Oct. 20;
• an open house at the Dept. of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Trades Center on Nov. 13;
• and more events to come!

The Plant Nova Natives website offers user-friendly resources to help you choose native species suited for your property and available at local nurseries. You can find a guide to local native species, a list of local businesses that supply natives and links to organizations that will come to your property and offer customized landscaping recommendations.

Arlington County and EcoAction Arlington launched GetGreen Arlington, an app aimed at making sustainable-living accessible and engaging.

Developed in partnership and funded through a Northern Virginia Smart Region Initiative grant from Smart City Works, the app features interactive climate action challenges, personalized tips to reduce carbon footprints and local community engagement opportunities.

Download GetGreen Arlington in the App Store or Google Play.

Stormwater Utility Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to include in my dispute application? The property owner should submit any photos, aerial images, GIS imagery or appropriate supporting documentation that supports their dispute. The County may require an inspection to assist in making a decision. Denial of access for such inspection may result in denial of the property owner’s dispute.