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1. What is a credit?

A credit is a reduction in impervious area due to implementation of a stormwater management facility. A credited area is subtracted from a property’s total impervious area prior to calculating the fee for the stormwater utility.

For example, if a 600 square feet permeable pavement driveway earns a 40% credit the calculation is as follows:
(Driveway area) x (% Credit) = Total Credit
(600 square feet) x (0.40) = 240 square feet

Stormwater management facilities are given credits because, when operated and maintained properly, they reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater runoff.

2. How much credit can I receive?

There are multiple practices available to receive a credit toward the utility fee. Please see the City of Falls Church Stormwater Utility Fee Credits Manual for more information and how you can apply for credits.

The maximum credit a site can achieve is 95%. The amount of credit given depends on several factors - the type of facility, area treated and/or captured, and if a facility was built voluntarily or as a requirement of development. The impervious area treated by the facility is the only area that is eligible for the discount, not the entire impervious surface of the property.

3. Can credits be combined?

Yes, credits outlined in the City of Falls Church Stormwater Utility Fee Credits Manual are cumulative if a facility or combination of facilities provides treatment to stormwater from the same area of impervious cover.

The maximum amount of credit that can be achieved for stormwater generated onsite is 70% (e.g. 30% for water quality, 30% for water quantity, and 10% for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs)).

4. What if I treat offsite water?

A property owner may, in accordance with the requirements of the credit policy, apply credits for structural stormwater management facilities that control stormwater from impervious areas within the public right-of-way (e.g. city streets) to achieve effective credit of greater than 70%.

5. By combining enough credits can I get a $0 fee?

No, in all cases the maximum credit that can be achieved for any one property is 95%.

6. How often do I have to renew?

Applications must be renewed on a yearly basis using the Credit Renewal Form.

7. What happens if my application is denied?

You must make the recommended changes and reapply to the Department of Public Works. Speak to 1 of our engineers to discuss applicable practices. This is recommended prior to installation of any stormwater management facilities.

8. Can credits be prorated?

No, credits cannot be prorated. Special exceptions may be made by the Director of Public Works for the 1st year of credit implementation.

9. Why do stormwater management facilities installed as a condition of development receive a credit?

The Code of Virginia (§15.2-2114) requires a locality that has adopted a stormwater utility to provide for full or partial waivers of charges to “...any person who installs, operates, and maintains a stormwater management facility that achieves a permanent reduction in stormwater flow or pollutant loadings.”

The code also allows a locality to provide for full or partial waivers of charges to “...public or private entities that implement or participate in strategies, techniques, or programs that reduce stormwater flow or pollutant loadings, or decrease the cost of maintaining or operating the public stormwater management system.”