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Are you planning to apply for a new credit this upcoming credit period? Or did you receive an ongoing voluntary credit during the 2023–24 application period and need to recertify this year? We're holding two Q&A sessions tomorrow, Oct. 23, to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Mark your calendars for tomorrow, Oct. 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and/or 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the final Q&A sessions before the credit application period opens on November 1.

Can't make it? We will be holding one final Q&A session on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Stay tuned for more information.

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

Credit Renewals: Recertification for 2026 and 2027 Bills

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 was sent to those eligible 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.

Watch this step-by-step video to learn how to recertify your ongoing credits once the credit application period opens on November 1.

Explore the Updated Stormwater Utility Credit Manual

English | Spanish (coming soon)

Learn about credit options and required documentation.

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

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).

Arlington is evaluating how to limit impervious surfaces on lots in low-density residential neighborhoods. Impervious surface increases the risk of flooding and extreme heat. Limiting it could support Arlington's goals to improve stormwater management and create more space for trees.

The first phase of community engagement for the Low Residential Study is open through the winter. The study team is working to develop a shared understanding of the issues, gather feedback from the community and begin evaluating policy options in the spring/summer of 2026.

Learn more at arlingtonva.us/lowresidentialstudy or join County staff at an upcoming event:

Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) Meeting

Wednesday, October 29 at 7 p.m.

Bozman Government Center (Room 311) or Join Virtually

For more information on how to view and participate in the hybrid LRPC meeting, please visit their webpage linked above.

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, November 13 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Trades Center Conference Room (2700 S. Taylor St.)

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

How is the impervious area calculated for each property? Outlines of the impervious area on a property are developed from aerial maps and geographic information system (GIS) data. A GIS technician manually reviews the imagery and outlines impervious areas as defined by County policies. That information is combined with GIS parcel data, resulting in an outline of impervious area on each parcel. The GIS software then calculates the impervious area on the parcel based on that outline. County GIS staff perform regular maintenance of the impervious area based on updated aerial imagery, building permits, and other sources.

Explore more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website.

Opportunities for Multi-Family & Non-Residential Property Owners

Credit actions taken anytime this year can earn you credit towards your 2026 bill. Check out the event calendar for voluntary Stormwater Utility credit opportunities.