Creating a Stormwater Utility

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Consultation has concluded



Welcome to the Engage Fairfax page for the development of the Stormwater Utility.


Below is basic information on stormwater runoff, the Stormwater Utility, and the city’s stormwater program. An FAQ with more information can be accessed through the menu on the right side of this page. Please use the tools below to provide feedback on the concept of developing a Stormwater Utility. You can also sign up for updates. Presentations from the October public meetings are available on the right.

What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow flows across land and impervious surfaces like roofs



Welcome to the Engage Fairfax page for the development of the Stormwater Utility.


Below is basic information on stormwater runoff, the Stormwater Utility, and the city’s stormwater program. An FAQ with more information can be accessed through the menu on the right side of this page. Please use the tools below to provide feedback on the concept of developing a Stormwater Utility. You can also sign up for updates. Presentations from the October public meetings are available on the right.

What is Stormwater Runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow flows across land and impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, parking lots, streets, and other hard surfaces. Impervious surfaces don't allow stormwater to soak into the ground, and so it flows to other areas. Stormwater runoff has the potential to cause drainage problems such as flooding and erosion. Stormwater runoff can also pick up and carry pollutants like grease, oil, pet waste, fertilizer, metals, and others, to the city's storm drain system. The storm drain system does not treat runoff for pollutants and the city's storm drains lead directly to local waterways, such as Accotink Creek, and ultimately, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Stormwater pollution and drainage problems have impacts on our environment and wildlife, and can damage property. View the stormwater utility fact sheet.


What is a Stormwater Utility?

Like utilities for water and sanitary sewer, a Stormwater Utility (SWU) is a fee-for-service approach to providing stormwater management services in the City of Fairfax. Rate payers are charged a fee based on the stormwater runoff impact their respective properties generate, using impervious surface as the measurement of that impact. A SWU provides a dedicated funding source for existing stormwater management services and new capital projects to reduce sediment and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) pollution into our local waterways, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.



Stormwater Utility Feasibility Project

The city started a Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study in September 2020 to explore this option for funding the stormwater program. The stormwater program is currently funded through a dedication of the real estate tax, equivalent to $0.03 of the city’s real estate tax rate. The current tax-based stormwater funding source is based on a property’s assessed value.

A stormwater utility fee differs because it is calculated based on the amount of impervious surface present on a parcel. Under a stormwater utility, properties with more impervious surfaces, which contribute more stormwater runoff to the storm drainage system, would pay a proportionally higher fee.

Many Virginia communities have transitioned to a stormwater utility to fund their stormwater program, rather than continuing to use a real estate tax set-aside or general fund revenues. Twenty-eight Virginia jurisdictions have created formal stormwater utilities, including the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Manassas.

Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Considerations

We looked at the following aspects when we explored the feasibility of a SWU:

  • Current program levels of service and documented unmet stormwater program needs
  • Evaluation of stormwater Capital Improvement Program (CIP) needs
  • Current funding method and adequacy of that funding moving forward
  • Evaluation of SWU rate methodologies and potential billing delivery systems
  • Analysis of customer impacts from different rate structures

The study concluded that a SWU is feasible and beneficial in the City of Fairfax based on the findings developed around the considerations listed above.

Why is the City Developing a Stormwater Utility? 

As city drainage infrastructure ages and city regulatory compliance requirements continue to expand, the city recognizes that the costs associated with stormwater management programming, including municipal stormwater permit compliance, system operations and maintenance, and capital improvement projects for both water quality enhancement and water quantity management (flood control) continue to increase. In addition, the region has recently experienced multiple, significant rain events that have highlighted additional drainage improvement needs. The city’s current Storm Fund offers limited flexibility for funding program priorities, flexibility that the city will need to address an ever growing list of needs, including foreseeable capital improvements.



Stormwater Utility Benefits

  • Community engagement and stormwater-positive activities can be incentivized. Credit programs are common components of SWUs and they allow localities to incentivize behavior by offering credits to customers who reduce their properties’ runoff impacts on the stormwater system or undertake additional activities that reduce stormwater runoff impacts. The credit program is under development and will include credits for:
    1. Owning and maintaining a stormwater management facility
    2. Voluntarily installing and maintaining a stormwater management facility
    3. Organizing and participating in stormwater-positive volunteer events like litter pickup and stream cleanup events, and installing “Only Rain” storm drain markers
    4. Expanding urban tree canopy and improving riparian buffers through tree planting.
    5. Developing and implementing a nutrient management plan to limit the use of fertilizers and other lawn care chemical compounds.

  • Stormwater Utility fees are more equitable. A property’s value does not have a direct correlation to a property’s runoff impacts.The amount of impervious surface on a property does have a direct correlation to the runoff it generates, and so using this property characteristic to determine the stormwater utility fee is more equitable than the tax-based assessment.

  • Stormwater Utility fees are shared by the community. Under the current tax-based dedication, untaxed properties do not contribute towards stormwater management, though they do contribute to stormwater runoff. Under a SWU, all properties would be charged a stormwater utility fee, including untaxed properties.* The SWU represents a more equitable way to pay for stormwater service as a greater number of properties will be paying into the stormwater utility fund.

*A small number of property types are exempted from utility fees by law, such as public roads, municipal properties, and properties covered under their own municipal stormwater permits.

  • Allows greater funding flexibility and stable program costs. A utility would be able to utilize bond funding options for capital projects beyond what is available through the current funding mechanism. These financing options allow for the stormwater program’s initiatives to be funded while still keeping utility rates stable and reasonable.
  • Allows the stormwater program to be fully funded. The economic value of properties can be maintained through proper stormwater management. This includes being able to improve maintenance capabilities, perform system upgrades to improve drainage conditions, address public drainage concerns, and further improve water quality and quality of life in the city.


Learn more about the Stormwater Utility and stay informed during the development process:

To help property owners in the City of Fairfax answer questions they may have about the development of a SWU, the city has compiled an FAQ document, which is available on the right side of this page.

If you have any specific questions, please use the questions to tool below.

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  • Share How much will the city's real estate tax rate be reduced if this Stormwater Utility tax is adopted? on Facebook Share How much will the city's real estate tax rate be reduced if this Stormwater Utility tax is adopted? on Twitter Share How much will the city's real estate tax rate be reduced if this Stormwater Utility tax is adopted? on Linkedin Email How much will the city's real estate tax rate be reduced if this Stormwater Utility tax is adopted? link

    How much will the city's real estate tax rate be reduced if this Stormwater Utility tax is adopted?

    Hahaha asked about 3 years ago

    Since the Stormwater Fund would be funded by the new utility, the city manager has committed to constructing the proposed FY23 budget and the proposed real estate tax rate with consideration for the reduction to the general fund obligation; however, the final real estate tax rate will be decided by City Council. 

  • Share Who should I contact to get an existing stormwater utility relocated so it is within the city's easement? on Facebook Share Who should I contact to get an existing stormwater utility relocated so it is within the city's easement? on Twitter Share Who should I contact to get an existing stormwater utility relocated so it is within the city's easement? on Linkedin Email Who should I contact to get an existing stormwater utility relocated so it is within the city's easement? link

    Who should I contact to get an existing stormwater utility relocated so it is within the city's easement?

    Hahaha asked about 3 years ago

    Please contact the Department of Public Works at 703-385-7810 or stormwaterutility@fairfaxva.gov(External link) to discuss further. 

    The current maintenance responsibility, drainage area, and function of the pipe will need to be considered before existing storm sewer pipe or structures can be added to the city’s public maintenance inventory.

  • Share Will there be a tax credit for rain catchment system? on Facebook Share Will there be a tax credit for rain catchment system? on Twitter Share Will there be a tax credit for rain catchment system? on Linkedin Email Will there be a tax credit for rain catchment system? link

    Will there be a tax credit for rain catchment system?

    Hahaha asked about 3 years ago

    Yes, a rain barrel or cistern that collects runoff from roof surfaces can qualify for a credit that would reduce the stormwater utility fee.  Rain barrels are inexpensive to construct and can be ideal for smaller roof areas, like those found on residential properties.

  • Share If I tear out my asphalt driveway in favor of a permeable driveway surfacing (57 gravel), would that reduce my stormwater tax liability? on Facebook Share If I tear out my asphalt driveway in favor of a permeable driveway surfacing (57 gravel), would that reduce my stormwater tax liability? on Twitter Share If I tear out my asphalt driveway in favor of a permeable driveway surfacing (57 gravel), would that reduce my stormwater tax liability? on Linkedin Email If I tear out my asphalt driveway in favor of a permeable driveway surfacing (57 gravel), would that reduce my stormwater tax liability? link

    If I tear out my asphalt driveway in favor of a permeable driveway surfacing (57 gravel), would that reduce my stormwater tax liability?

    Hahaha asked about 3 years ago

    Gravel driveways are considered impermeable surfaces due to the compaction required for them to be usable.  You can construct a permeable pavement driveway which would reduce the impervious surface and/or provide a credit, which would reduce the utility fee.  Permeable pavement driveways can be constructed with pervious asphalt, concrete, or pavers.  Additional details are available here: https://swbmp.vwrrc.vt.edu/(External link) (2011 design specs, Practice 7, Permeable Pavement)

  • Share What are the adjacent jurisdictions/watershed areas doing to address the stormwater runoff issue? This sounds like a regional problem, since Fairfax City stormwater impacts downstream jurisdictions. It should not be on Fairfax City residents to pay extra, unless residents of areas downstream are also funding this type of initiative. on Facebook Share What are the adjacent jurisdictions/watershed areas doing to address the stormwater runoff issue? This sounds like a regional problem, since Fairfax City stormwater impacts downstream jurisdictions. It should not be on Fairfax City residents to pay extra, unless residents of areas downstream are also funding this type of initiative. on Twitter Share What are the adjacent jurisdictions/watershed areas doing to address the stormwater runoff issue? This sounds like a regional problem, since Fairfax City stormwater impacts downstream jurisdictions. It should not be on Fairfax City residents to pay extra, unless residents of areas downstream are also funding this type of initiative. on Linkedin Email What are the adjacent jurisdictions/watershed areas doing to address the stormwater runoff issue? This sounds like a regional problem, since Fairfax City stormwater impacts downstream jurisdictions. It should not be on Fairfax City residents to pay extra, unless residents of areas downstream are also funding this type of initiative. link

    What are the adjacent jurisdictions/watershed areas doing to address the stormwater runoff issue? This sounds like a regional problem, since Fairfax City stormwater impacts downstream jurisdictions. It should not be on Fairfax City residents to pay extra, unless residents of areas downstream are also funding this type of initiative.

    Tog asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. All jurisdictions located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed have pollutant reduction goals to meet. This watershed extends into five other states, all of which have their own reduction goals. In Virginia, each jurisdiction in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is assigned a load reduction. Jurisdictions neighboring Fairfax City face similar challenges and are pursuing similar solutions, all of which require significant public funding to meet. Twenty-nine Virginia jurisdictions have implemented a stormwater utility.

    More information on the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load are available here: https://www.epa.gov/chesapeake-bay-tmdl/chesapeake-bay-tmdl-fact-sheet(External link)

    In addition, the city and surrounding jurisdictions have local TMDLs for sediment, E.coli, and other watershed-specific issues to address. The city is responsible for its portion of the TMDL goals for Accotink Creek, Bull Run, Difficult Run, and Popes Head Creek.

  • Share I would like to know how this impacts Home Owner's Associations and their members. No information is available electronically on this. It seems the only way to find out specific information is via an in person session which I am not able to attend. Please provide details electronically on the impact to HOA's their members rather than only in spoken form at a meeting. Some sort of FAQ or answers to questions here would be helpful to make this more transparent. Thank you. on Facebook Share I would like to know how this impacts Home Owner's Associations and their members. No information is available electronically on this. It seems the only way to find out specific information is via an in person session which I am not able to attend. Please provide details electronically on the impact to HOA's their members rather than only in spoken form at a meeting. Some sort of FAQ or answers to questions here would be helpful to make this more transparent. Thank you. on Twitter Share I would like to know how this impacts Home Owner's Associations and their members. No information is available electronically on this. It seems the only way to find out specific information is via an in person session which I am not able to attend. Please provide details electronically on the impact to HOA's their members rather than only in spoken form at a meeting. Some sort of FAQ or answers to questions here would be helpful to make this more transparent. Thank you. on Linkedin Email I would like to know how this impacts Home Owner's Associations and their members. No information is available electronically on this. It seems the only way to find out specific information is via an in person session which I am not able to attend. Please provide details electronically on the impact to HOA's their members rather than only in spoken form at a meeting. Some sort of FAQ or answers to questions here would be helpful to make this more transparent. Thank you. link

    I would like to know how this impacts Home Owner's Associations and their members. No information is available electronically on this. It seems the only way to find out specific information is via an in person session which I am not able to attend. Please provide details electronically on the impact to HOA's their members rather than only in spoken form at a meeting. Some sort of FAQ or answers to questions here would be helpful to make this more transparent. Thank you.

    City of FFX Resident asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. You can view the presentation here: https://engage.fairfaxva.gov/11489/widgets/40491/documents/24960. Slides 20-25 should answer your questions. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You are also welcome to attend any of the three upcoming meetings on Saturday, Oct. 30. 

  • Share Hello, we put in a rain garden in our backyard a couple years back, with drains that feed into it. How do we apply or attempt to get credit for creating areas for this? Also, would the city offer credits for turning part of our driveway into a permeable surface? I also saw the part about fertilizer, we don’t use fertilizer. 4022 Barbour Dr. 22030 on Facebook Share Hello, we put in a rain garden in our backyard a couple years back, with drains that feed into it. How do we apply or attempt to get credit for creating areas for this? Also, would the city offer credits for turning part of our driveway into a permeable surface? I also saw the part about fertilizer, we don’t use fertilizer. 4022 Barbour Dr. 22030 on Twitter Share Hello, we put in a rain garden in our backyard a couple years back, with drains that feed into it. How do we apply or attempt to get credit for creating areas for this? Also, would the city offer credits for turning part of our driveway into a permeable surface? I also saw the part about fertilizer, we don’t use fertilizer. 4022 Barbour Dr. 22030 on Linkedin Email Hello, we put in a rain garden in our backyard a couple years back, with drains that feed into it. How do we apply or attempt to get credit for creating areas for this? Also, would the city offer credits for turning part of our driveway into a permeable surface? I also saw the part about fertilizer, we don’t use fertilizer. 4022 Barbour Dr. 22030 link

    Hello, we put in a rain garden in our backyard a couple years back, with drains that feed into it. How do we apply or attempt to get credit for creating areas for this? Also, would the city offer credits for turning part of our driveway into a permeable surface? I also saw the part about fertilizer, we don’t use fertilizer. 4022 Barbour Dr. 22030

    S M asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your great questions! When the credit program is finalized we will have a process for owners to apply for credits, including for existing stormwater management facilities like the rain garden you mentioned and for the no-fertilizer pledge. 

    Converting impervious pavement to a permeable pavement can provide a credit as long as the pavement is constructed to BMP Clearinghouse standards (https://swbmp.vwrrc.vt.edu/(External link)).  An alternative would be to remove a portion of the driveway and replace it with grass. This approach would permanently reduce the number of billing units that is used to calculate your utility fee.

  • Share Earlier on this issue I asked : Other than tax for stormwater is there ANY proposals for the city to make more open areas for water drainage (gravel: in city parking lots, bike lanes, tear up low use sidewalks)? The politicians answered: (as usual not the question asked) We have several programs that focus on improving water quality: … reduce illegal dumping … … maintenance … … stream cleanup… … initiatives to meet pollutant reduction … … inspections on construction activities … (Not one for improving drainage) They’ve posted their reply on the website - if you need to read their full text. Based on this answer they are trying to create another tax so they can fund their current quality efforts, not better storm water drainage. on Facebook Share Earlier on this issue I asked : Other than tax for stormwater is there ANY proposals for the city to make more open areas for water drainage (gravel: in city parking lots, bike lanes, tear up low use sidewalks)? The politicians answered: (as usual not the question asked) We have several programs that focus on improving water quality: … reduce illegal dumping … … maintenance … … stream cleanup… … initiatives to meet pollutant reduction … … inspections on construction activities … (Not one for improving drainage) They’ve posted their reply on the website - if you need to read their full text. Based on this answer they are trying to create another tax so they can fund their current quality efforts, not better storm water drainage. on Twitter Share Earlier on this issue I asked : Other than tax for stormwater is there ANY proposals for the city to make more open areas for water drainage (gravel: in city parking lots, bike lanes, tear up low use sidewalks)? The politicians answered: (as usual not the question asked) We have several programs that focus on improving water quality: … reduce illegal dumping … … maintenance … … stream cleanup… … initiatives to meet pollutant reduction … … inspections on construction activities … (Not one for improving drainage) They’ve posted their reply on the website - if you need to read their full text. Based on this answer they are trying to create another tax so they can fund their current quality efforts, not better storm water drainage. on Linkedin Email Earlier on this issue I asked : Other than tax for stormwater is there ANY proposals for the city to make more open areas for water drainage (gravel: in city parking lots, bike lanes, tear up low use sidewalks)? The politicians answered: (as usual not the question asked) We have several programs that focus on improving water quality: … reduce illegal dumping … … maintenance … … stream cleanup… … initiatives to meet pollutant reduction … … inspections on construction activities … (Not one for improving drainage) They’ve posted their reply on the website - if you need to read their full text. Based on this answer they are trying to create another tax so they can fund their current quality efforts, not better storm water drainage. link

    Earlier on this issue I asked : Other than tax for stormwater is there ANY proposals for the city to make more open areas for water drainage (gravel: in city parking lots, bike lanes, tear up low use sidewalks)? The politicians answered: (as usual not the question asked) We have several programs that focus on improving water quality: … reduce illegal dumping … … maintenance … … stream cleanup… … initiatives to meet pollutant reduction … … inspections on construction activities … (Not one for improving drainage) They’ve posted their reply on the website - if you need to read their full text. Based on this answer they are trying to create another tax so they can fund their current quality efforts, not better storm water drainage.

    NotBornHere asked about 3 years ago

    Approximately 63% of the city’s FY22 stormwater fund is dedicated to compliance with water quality regulations. The remaining 37% is allocated to maintain existing infrastructure. Currently, local drainage projects that benefit city residents are funded through financing. The proposed stormwater utility would provide the flexibility needed to address a mounting list of water quality and flood control projects. 

    Pending Drainage Improvement Projects

    Park Road & Fern Street Drainage Improvement

    Fairfax Boulevard & Meredith Avenue Drainage Improvement

    Roberts Road East Side Drainage Improvement

    Evergreen Drive & Orchard Drive Drainage Improvement

    Mosby Road & Burke Station Road Drainage Improvement

    University Drive Outfall Relocation

    Virginia Street & Dwight Avenue Drainage Improvement

    Orchard Street & Howerton Avenue Drainage Improvement

    Norman Avenue & Cobb Drive Drainage Improvement

    Parklane Road Drainage Improvement

    Evergreen Drive cul-de-sac Drainage Improvement

    Wood Road Drainage Improvement

  • Share The SWU article had a list on what a homeowner may do to help what is the City committed to do without a SWU? on Facebook Share The SWU article had a list on what a homeowner may do to help what is the City committed to do without a SWU? on Twitter Share The SWU article had a list on what a homeowner may do to help what is the City committed to do without a SWU? on Linkedin Email The SWU article had a list on what a homeowner may do to help what is the City committed to do without a SWU? link

    The SWU article had a list on what a homeowner may do to help what is the City committed to do without a SWU?

    NotBornHere asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Creating a stormwater utility would enhance the level of service the City provides; however, the city is leading by example on several fronts now, event without the utility.

    We have several programs that focus on improving water quality;

    • Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination to reduce incidences of illegal pollutant dumping to waterways
    • Stormwater BMP Facility Inspections & Maintenance – We inspect every BMP in the city annually and work with property owners to maintain them. We also annually inspect and maintain City-owned facilities. This helps ensure that stormwater management facilities function as originally designed.
    • Partnership with the community, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and coordination between Parks & Rec/Public Works/Friends of the Accotink to conduct stream cleanup events.
    • Chesapeake Bay and Local TMDL Action Plans – Regulatory requirements to improve water quality have led to numerous initiatives to meet pollutant reduction targets. They include street sweeping, stream restoration, public BMP upgrades/retrofits, outfall restoration, and maintaining compliance with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the city’s property yard, located next to Accotink Creek.
    • We operate an Erosion & Sediment Control and Virginia Stormwater Management Program to review plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections on construction activities. The City enforces environmental protection requirements in state code that are applicable to regulated construction activities.