Single-Use Plastic Exemption Request - Arlington Ordinance

In Arlington, Virginia, event organizers who need a temporary exemption from single-use plastic restrictions should start with the county's Special Events permit process and environmental guidance. The Special Events Office coordinates permit conditions that may affect foodware and waste requirements; contact the office early to confirm whether a written exemption or variance is required for your event and which conditions apply. Arlington Special Events permit information^[1]

How to request an exemption

Follow the county application and permit timeline, provide justification for the exemption, and explain alternatives and mitigation (recycling, composting, reuse). Typical documentation includes the event permit application, vendor agreements, and a written statement of need. Submit forms and materials with your Special Events permit application so the permitting authority can review conditions and public-health requirements.

• Plan early: include exemption requests in your Special Events permit package.
• Provide vendor lists and proposed single-use items with justification and mitigation plans.
• Confirm submission method and contact the Special Events Office for any required attachments.

Penalties & Enforcement

Arlington County enforces local ordinances and permit conditions through its permitting and code-enforcement offices. Specific monetary penalties and escalation for violations of single-use plastic restrictions are not specified on the cited code and guidance pages; see the county code and permit pages for the controlling instrument and any fee schedules. Arlington County Code (library)^[2]

• Fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary remedies: permit revocation, stop-work or stop-event orders, and court actions may be used per permit or code authority; exact remedies are not specified on the cited page.
• Enforcer: Special Events Office, Department of Environmental Services, and county Code Enforcement (contact via permit pages).
• Inspections and complaints: inspections are performed under permit conditions; citizens can report concerns through official complaint/contact pages.

Applications & Forms

The primary form is the Special Events permit application submitted to Arlington Parks and Recreation; additional vendor or temporary food permits may be required depending on food service. Fees, specific form names or numbers, and submission methods are provided on the Special Events and Environmental Services pages but individual fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages. Arlington Department of Environmental Services^[3]

• Special Events permit application: include exemption justification and vendor info.
• Fees: see the permit pages; specific fee amounts not specified on the cited pages.
• Deadlines: follow the Special Events application deadlines; plan 30–90 days in advance where advised.

FAQ

Can small community events get a temporary exemption from single-use plastic rules?

Possibly, but exemptions are evaluated case-by-case through the Special Events permit review and any applicable county regulations.

Who decides whether an exemption is granted?

The Special Events Office in coordination with the permitting departments and, where applicable, Environmental Services or Code Enforcement.

What happens if I use prohibited items without an exemption?

You may face enforcement actions under permit terms or county code; specific penalties are not specified on the cited pages.

How-To

1. Prepare your Special Events permit application and include a clear written request for the single-use plastic exemption.
2. Attach vendor lists, a description of the single-use items requested, and a mitigation plan (recycling, composting, reduced quantities).
3. Submit the application to the Special Events Office and confirm receipt.
4. Respond promptly to requests for additional information from permitting staff.
5. If a denial occurs, request written reasons and follow the permit appeal or review procedures indicated in the denial letter.

Key Takeaways

• Start exemption requests early and include full vendor documentation.
• Use the Special Events permit to route exemption requests through official review.

Help and Support / Resources

• Arlington Special Events Office - permit information
• Arlington Department of Environmental Services
• Arlington County Code (Municode)

1. [1] Arlington Special Events permit information
2. [2] Arlington County Code (library)
3. [3] Arlington Department of Environmental Services