Alexandria accepting applications for stormwater fee credit program
Property owners in Alexandria can now apply for credits that could cut their stormwater utility bills in half.
The city opened its Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program application window on Monday, giving residents and businesses until Feb. 15 to submit applications. Property owners who install and maintain eligible stormwater management practices may qualify for up to a 50% reduction on their stormwater utility fee.
The fee, which appears as a separate line item on real estate tax bills, is based on the amount of impervious surface on a property, including roofs, driveways, and parking areas. Revenue funds the city’s stormwater management program, including street sweeping, leaf collection, storm sewer maintenance, and compliance with state and federal Chesapeake Bay pollution mandates.
Credits are available for a range of practices across three categories. Stormwater management options include rain barrels (5% credit each, up to 20% for four), rain gardens, permeable pavement, cisterns, and green roofs — each worth 20%. Landscaping credits include a no-fertilizer pledge (10%), conservation landscaping (10%), new tree planting (up to 30% one-time,) and mature tree preservation (up to 20%).
Dry floodproofing measures are also eligible. Credits of 5% to 10% are available for flood gates, protective barriers, basement window protection, French drains, and other measures that prevent floodwater from entering buildings. Non-residential properties can earn additional credits through volunteer activities like the city’s Adopt-A-Block and Adopt-A-Storm Drain programs.
Approved credits last for two years. Property owners who received credits previously will be notified by email when it’s time to reapply.
Applications can be submitted online through the city’s Real Estate Assessment website or by mail. For more information, visit the updated SWU Credit Manual, alexandriava.gov/StormwaterUtility, or email stormwater@alexandriava.gov.