For Immediate Release: November 10, 2022

City Council unanimously approved a measure to adopt revisions to the City’s Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program via updates to the Credit Manual, which simplifies the process, reduces the amount of documentation, changes the application cycle for every other year and expands the types of measures that property owners can claim reductions on their Stormwater Utility Fee.

The fee, which is paid by all property owners as a separate line item on the real estate tax bill, is based on the amount of impervious area, or hard surfaces, on a property. The fee provides a dedicated funding source for the stormwater management program, including 35 current flood mitigation capital projects. Property owners can earn credits to reduce the fee by installing and maintaining eligible stormwater management practices and filing an application to the City. Applications can be submitted by searching for the property on the City’s Real Estate webpage or submitting a hardcopy form. Applications will be accepted from December 1 to February 15.

Revisions were made to the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program Manual for Residential and Non-Residential Properties to increase participation in the program by making it easier to understand and expanding the list of eligible practices.

Revised updates:

• Simplified application process that removes duplicate items and streamlines documentation requirements
• Two-year credit applied to two consecutive calendar years – or four billing cycles – for approved applications for eligible practices
• Increased credits for individual eligible practices and increased overall potential maximum credit per application from 30% to 50%
• Previous applicants will be notified via email to reapply for the next two-year credit cycle starting in 2024
• Added credit option for preserving and maintaining existing mature trees and dry floodproofing practices

The complete revised Credit Manual is on the City’s stormwater management website. Property owners can apply during the credit application window from December 1 to February 15 to receive a reduction on the 2023 Stormwater Utility Fee.

Background: The City of Alexandria adopted the Stormwater Utility Fee in January 2018 to provide a dedicated funding source for the stormwater management program services and costly new capital stormwater infrastructure projects to address the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution in urban stormwater runoff that enters local waterways. Following recent flooding events and significant progress made to clean up the Bay, the City shifted resources to increase funding for flood mitigation initiatives under Flood Action Alexandria.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4113.