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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 this month to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 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 next Q&A sessions.

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.

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.

NEW! 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.

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

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).

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. Although these trees generally do not qualify for stormwater credit due to their small caliper size, this annual program is very popular and has yielded many beautiful trees and valuable benefits to 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.

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 open house:

Monday, October 20 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Oak Room at Lubber Run Community Center (300 N. Park Dr.)

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

My property has a swimming pool. Does that count as impervious area? A swimming pool is considered an impervious surface because it is a structure that does not allow water to seep through its walls or bottom. This means that when it rains, the water will stay on the surface of the pool rather than seeping into the ground like other pervious surfaces.

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