City Council discusses stormwater and sanitary fee increases amid zoning concerns

Residents of Falls Church will see a modest increase in their stormwater and sanitary sewer fees as part of the city’s budget adjustments for the upcoming year. During the Budget Town Hall meeting on April 3, 2025, city officials announced a 2.7% increase in these fees, translating to approximately $7 more annually for the average homeowner for stormwater services and about $14 for sanitary sewer services.

City representatives emphasized that these adjustments are part of a long-standing practice to implement annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) based rate changes. This approach aims to prevent larger, more disruptive fee increases in the future, ensuring that residents are not caught off guard by sudden hikes.

However, the meeting also highlighted significant community concerns regarding stormwater management, particularly in light of ongoing development projects. A resident raised alarms about the potential impacts of the T-zone development behind their property, referencing a recent case in Arlington where similar zoning changes led to legal challenges due to inadequate stormwater and sewage capacity assessments. The resident urged the city to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the implications of such developments on local infrastructure and to devise mitigation strategies.

The call for a dedicated study reflects growing apprehension among residents about the city’s ability to manage stormwater effectively, especially as more by-right T-zone developments are proposed. The resident pointed out that current grading plans for new developments are designed to withstand significant storm events, indicating a lack of confidence in the existing stormwater system's capacity.

City officials acknowledged these concerns and the need for further analysis, although they noted that current budget constraints do not allow for immediate funding of such studies. The discussions at the town hall underscored the importance of proactive planning and community engagement as Falls Church navigates its growth and infrastructure challenges. As the city moves forward, residents will be watching closely to see how these issues are addressed in future budget considerations.