Stormwater Utility Fee Updates | September 2026

Just a short time left to take photos of your credit types in the summer growing season!

Stormwaterutility@arlingtonva.us | Visit our Website

Renewing Your Ongoing Credits

An image of a camera on a rock surrounded by flower with the message, "Remember to take photos during the summer growing season".

As a reminder, if you received one of the ongoing credits listed below in 2025, you must recertify your credit type during the 2026–2027 application period (Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027) to continue receiving it for 2027–2028.

Conservation Landscaping*
Rain garden*
Rainwater Collection
Permeable Driveways

*To maintain credit, you may need to take photos of these credit types during the summer growing season.

Recertifications are every two years. Be on the lookout for reminder e-mails.

Questions about whether you need to recertify? Please email us at stormwaterutility@arlingtonva.us and review the Stormwater Utility Credit Manual to learn more.

Credits Based on Property Type

Available voluntary credits for each property type

Stormwater Utility Fee Rate

The Arlington County Board adopted the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Stormwater Utility rate at $268 per ERU. Second-half CY 2026 installments are due on October 5.

Explore the Stormwater Utility Credit Manual

English | Spanish

Learn about credit options and required documentation.

Opportunities for Multi-Family & Non-Residential Property Owners

Credit actions taken this year can earn you credit towards your 2027 bill. Check out the event calendar to explore opportunities for future stormwater credit.

Go to Calendar

Phase 2 Low Residential Study Announcement

Learn more and share input on the Low Residential Study

Low Residential Study Seeks Input on Proposed Impervious Area Limits

The Low Residential Study (LRS) will recommend limits for allowable impervious area on lots in Arlington’s low density residential neighborhoods. County staff have developed lower, middle, and upper options for impervious area limits:

The lower option would allow the least amount of impervious area and create the most space for trees and other plants.

The upper option would provide the most flexibility for additions and other improvements, while creating the least amount of space for trees and other plants.

The middle option balances the tradeoffs between flexible use of lot area and space for planting.

Learn more and share your preferred option through a feedback form (closes Sept. 27) and/or at an upcoming event:

Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. - Housing Commission Briefing
Friday, Sept. 18, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. - Virtual Q&A Session

Want to improve your yard for local birds and pollinators? Fall is the perfect time for planting and the County is offering a great selection of plants, shrubs and trees during the Native Plant Sale. This sale is pre-order only, so place your order before all plants have been sold! Learn more

Order deadline: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026

Order Pickup: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Pick up Location: Fort C.F. Smith, 2411 24^th St. N.

Take the guess work out of choosing native plants for your yard.

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.

Download the GetGreen Arlington app.

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

For commercial renters: Does our landlord pay this bill, or does each business pay a portion? The Stormwater Utility fee is included on the real estate statement; therefore, it goes to the owner of the property. Visit the Stormwater Utility Fee Estimator webpage for more information.

Do you offer partial credits? We do not offer partial credits. You must fully meet all requirements and minimum thresholds to receive a credit.

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