Arlington Stormwater Permit for Construction

Environmental Protection Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

In Arlington, Virginia, most construction projects that affect stormwater or disturb soil must comply with county stormwater and erosion-control rules. This guide explains which Arlington departments enforce those rules, the typical application steps, inspections and how to respond to violations. It also points to the official permit pages and county code so contractors and property owners can find forms, contact information and the legal requirements that apply on local projects.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater and erosion-control requirements in Arlington is carried out by the County's Department of Environmental Services (DES) or other designated inspectors; official permit and compliance information is published by Arlington County. For the controlling ordinance and enforcement authority, see the county code and permitting pages below[1][2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to stop work, corrective orders, potential civil actions and requirements to implement remediation measures.
  • Enforcer: Arlington County Department of Environmental Services (DES) and authorized county inspectors; complaints and inspections are routed through official county contacts.[1]
  • Appeals/review: specific appeal procedures and time limits are set by the county code or administrative rules; exact time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permit variances, corrective compliance plans, or showing reasonable efforts to comply may be considered where the county code or administrative practice allows.
If you receive a notice, contact DES promptly to learn appeal deadlines and required corrective actions.

Applications & Forms

Arlington requires submission of erosion and stormwater control documentation (for example, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and a Stormwater Management Plan) for regulated land-disturbing activities; official application forms and submission instructions are available from the county permits and stormwater pages.[1]

  • Form names and numbers: specific form numbers and fee schedules are listed on the county permits page or permit packet; if a form number or fee is not shown there it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically via the county permitting portal or as directed by DES; see the official permit page for the current submission method.[1]
  • Fees and deadlines: the county publishes fee information where available; when a fee or deadline is not displayed it is not specified on the cited page.
Always download the latest permit packet from the county site before preparing plans.

Common Compliance Steps

  • Determine whether your project requires a stormwater or erosion-control permit by checking the Arlington permit guidance.[1]
  • Prepare required plans (ESC plan, SWM plan) with proposed best management practices (BMPs) and a stabilization schedule.
  • Submit application, plans, and fees through the county permitting system.
  • Allow inspections and promptly implement any corrective orders from county inspectors.
  • Pay any assessed fines or fees and complete restorative work to receive final approval or closeout.
Keep a dated record of BMP installation and inspections to support compliance and appeals.

FAQ

Do all construction projects need a stormwater permit in Arlington?
Not all projects require a permit; regulated land-disturbing activities typically must comply—check the county permit guidance and contact DES to confirm.
Where do I submit an erosion-control plan?
Submit plans through Arlington County's permitting portal or as directed on the official permits page.[1]
What happens if inspectors find a violation?
The county may issue corrective orders, require remediation, and assess fines or pursue civil action per county enforcement authorities; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Confirm permit requirements by reviewing Arlington County's stormwater and permitting guidance and contacting DES.
  2. Hire or consult an engineer to prepare an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Stormwater Management Plan with BMPs.
  3. Submit the application, plans and fees through the county permitting portal and await review.
  4. Coordinate inspections and implement any required corrective measures promptly.
  5. Obtain final approval or permit closeout after all conditions are satisfied.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin compliance checks with Arlington DES early in project planning.
  • Prepare and submit ESC and SWM plans as required to avoid stop-work orders.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Arlington County Department of Environmental Services - official permit and stormwater information
  2. [2] Arlington County Code - municipal ordinances and enforcement authority

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