Stormwaterutility@arlingtonva.us | Visit our Website

The credit application period is now open, today through January 31, 2026. You can apply through the County's Request Service/Report a Problem tool anytime. Have questions? Find helpful credit resources below or by visiting arlingtonva.us/stormwaterutilitycredit.

Take our pre-screening survey to see if you will qualify for credit before sending in an application today.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary Credits

Mandatory credits do not require a credit application to be submitted. They are automatically given if you were required to install stormwater facilities as a condition of construction or redevelopment and you remain in compliance with the required inspections.

If mandatory stormwater facilities are installed on your property, you should have received a letter with more information on how to qualify for mandatory stormwater credits

Voluntary credits do require a credit application to be submitted. They are elective actions that property owners can choose to take to reduce stormwater runoff or improve the environment. Voluntary credit actions must be taken some time during the 2025 calendar year and applied for during the application period, Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.

Credit Renewals: Recertification for 2026 and 2027 Bills

Take action in 2025 to recertify ongoing credit(s) for your 2026 Stormwater Utility bill. Applicants who received one of the following ongoing credits in 2024 will need to recertify their credit type during the application period 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. Review the recertification guidelines in the Credit Manual for information on what must be submitted with your renewal application, then watch the how to renew your ongoing credits video to learn step-by-step how to recertify.

Tree Planting Credit Information

Thinking about applying for the tree planting credit? 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; and
• 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

Single-family residential - HOA property: 4 native shade trees on HOA property

Multi-family residential | 4 native shade trees per property

Non-residential | 4 native shade trees per property

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a Question and Answer (Q&A) session with the Stormwater Utility team.

Explore the Updated Stormwater Utility Credit Manual

English | Spanish (updated version coming soon)

Learn about credit options and required documentation.

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:

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, November 13 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Department of Parks and Recreation 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 do I apply for more than one Stormwater Utility credit? Each voluntary credit action requires its own Stormwater Voluntary Credit Application. Multiple credits cannot be applied for on the same application. Get started with your application here.

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.