Through January 15, 2024 all property owners in Arlington can apply for voluntary credits offsetting up to 35% of their Stormwater Utility bill. Qualifying credit opportunities will be calculated based on the type of property and actions taken, such as tree planting, volunteer activities, and installing some types of pervious surfaces. Actions taken Calendar Year 2023 will be eligible for credit on the first bill in May 2024, so you can start getting ready today.
Read the Stormwater Credit Manual in English or Spanish, and view the credit program videofor more details, including application instructions, required documentation, and tips for a successful submission.
NOTE: If you have a mandatory stormwater facility (installed as part of new home construction or other development project), you do not need to submit an application for credit. If you are in compliance with the required facility inspection, you will receive an automatic credit on your bill.
Want a Better Idea of Your Future Stormwater Utility Fee?
An online tool is available to help property owners view the estimated number of billing units on their property, so they will have a better understanding of their future Stormwater Utility fee. Please note, because Arlington's Stormwater Utility is still in development, the rate per ERU has not be finalized yet. View the Fee Estimator Map.
Do Gravel Driveways Count as Impervious Area?
Gravel driveways are considered impermeable surfaces due to the compaction required for them to be usable and because they prevent infiltration, which results in stormwater flowing off these surfaces at a higher rate than pervious surfaces. The County is following a nationally accepted standard by classifying gravel as impervious. In Virginia, the Department of Environmental Quality publishes the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, which defines impervious as, “a surface composed of any material that significantly impedes or prevents natural infiltration of water into soil.”
What types of trees are eligible for a tree planting credit?
Trees must be planed in 2023 and must be native to Virginia or the Chesapeake Bay region (as defined by the Virginia Plant Atlas). Trees should have a minimum 1” caliper, measured at 6” above the ground. Large canopy trees planted through the Arlington County Tree Canopy Fund are eligible for credit. The number of trees required to receive credit varies from 1-4 trees. More information
