Stormwater fee credits · Virginia

City of Norfolk Residential Stormwater Fee Reduction Program

Run by City of Norfolk Public Works, Environmental Storm Water Management

OpenPlan requiredLast checked October 17, 2026
What you get
Annual stormwater fee reduction: 10% rain barrel, cistern, grass swale, buffer, nutrient management plan; 20% rain garden, bioswale, permeable pavement with underdrain, downspout disconnect with soil amendments; 50% green roof, living shoreline. Maximum 60% per site; facilities may stack but not treat the same drainage area.
Who qualifies
Owners of residential properties with 1 to 4 dwelling units in Norfolk who voluntarily install a facility.
Where
Owners of residential properties with 1 to 4 dwelling units in Norfolk.
Status
Open. (policy document; verify current application with Public Works 757-664-4600)
Type of payment
Fee credit
Official program page

What you do

Install a stormwater facility on your property (rain barrel, cistern, rain garden, bioswale, grass swale, buffer, permeable pavement with underdrain, downspout disconnect with soil amendments, green roof, living shoreline) and apply for a reduction in your stormwater fee.

Requirements

  • Minimum drainage area treated: rain barrel/cistern 300 sq ft roof; swale 500 sq ft; rain garden 500 sq ft; bioswale 500; permeable pavement 300; soil-amended disconnect 300; green roof 800
  • Design and calculations reviewed by City Storm Water Engineer; follow Norfolk Design and Construction Manual, VA BMP Clearinghouse or VT Rain Garden Guide
  • Documentation by type (barrel volume and roof area, planting plan, drainage area, etc.)
  • Obtain all required permits; contractor recommended, not required
  • Inspections during installation; property fully stabilized before reduction approved
  • Annual inspection report with photo submitted by June 1 each year or reduction voids July 1
  • Credit is annual and must be reapplied each year
  • City may cancel credit up to 3 years if facility not maintained

The plan or design it asks for

SWMF design and calculations (and planting plan for vegetated practices) reviewed by City Storm Water Engineer before installation.

Native plant lists for the area: Norfolk

Make the plan in Sow

Draw the layout and build the plant list

Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check City of Norfolk's rules for exactly what to submit.

Start a plan in Sow

How to apply

  1. 1Design the facility meeting Table 1 minimums and city manual
  2. 2Submit application with required documentation to Director of Public Works or designee
  3. 3Get design approved and permits
  4. 4Install; city inspects during installation
  5. 5Provide proof of function to City, then reduction approved
  6. 6Submit annual inspection report by June 1 each year

Timing and deadlines

not published

Annual inspection report June 1

Combining it with other programs

Multiple facilities stack up to 60%; example 1 rain garden plus 2 rain barrels = 40%

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.

Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs