Applications for Alexandria’s Stormwater Utility (SWU) Fee Credit Program opened today (Monday).
Property owners can apply for credits electronically or with hard copies through Feb. 15, 2026, and may be eligible for up to a 50% reduction on SWU fees “by installing eligible practices,” according to a city announcement.
The program is open to both residential and non-residential properties. Eligible practices span across stormwater management, landscaping, dry floodproofing and volunteering. Examples range from planting a new tree (up to 30% fee reduction) to installing floodproof windows (10% fee reduction) and using flood resistant building materials on new construction (5% fee reduction).
A full guide to the program, including revisions made in fall 2022, is available in the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Manual.
The city’s SWU fee is paid by all property owners as a separate line item on residents’ real estate tax bills. It is calculated “based on the amount of impervious area, or hard surfaces like roofs and front walks, on a property,” according to the announcement.
Collected fees benefit Flood Action Alexandria’s flood mitigation capital projects, operations and general maintenance tasks, such as cleaning storm pipes and inlets.
The SWU credit program grants awards on a two-year cycle. Residents who applied in 2024 do not need to reapply.
