Alexandria offers utility fee reduction for locals who install flood protection

The City of Alexandria is making it easier for locals who pitch in on flood prevention to skip out on their utility fees.

At a meeting last night, the City Council voted to adopt a series of changes to a utility fee credit program, including reducing the fee for residents who install flood mitigation on their property.

All property owners in Alexandria pay a stormwater utility fee based on the amount of impervious area — or hard surface — on their property. The Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program allows local property owners to claim reductions on that fee.

Flooding has been a significant problem for Alexandria in recent years. The fee helps pay for flood mitigation projects and other parts of the stormwater management program.

Some of the changes should make is easier for locals to earn get that fee reduction.

“Property owners can earn credits to reduce the fee by installing and maintaining eligible stormwater management practices and filing an application to the City,” the city said in a release. “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.”

According to the release, some of the changes from the meeting include:

• 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