How to Get the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit (Voluntary Actions) Rebate

What you get

Arlington County's Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program offers single-family residential property owners a fixed-percentage ongoing credit on their stormwater utility fee for voluntary stormwater-reducing actions: 10% for a rain garden, 5% for conservation/native landscaping (minimum 150 sq ft), 5% annually for tree planting, and 10% for a permeable driveway or patio, up to a maximum combined 35% credit. Credits require recertification with photos every 2 years (Arlington County Stormwater Credit Program; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Fixed tiers up to 35% total (10% rain garden, 5% conservation/native landscaping, 5% tree planting annual, 10% permeable driveway/patio)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Arlington County Department of Environmental Services customer
• Property located in: Arlington
• Single-family residential property in Arlington County
• Minimum 150 sq ft of native plant landscaping for the conservation landscaping credit
• Recertify every 2 years with photo documentation
• No duplicate credits within the same action type

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Arlington County Department of Environmental Services and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.