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Floodplains, RPAs, wetlands and stormwater in Arlington County, VA

Resource Protection Areas run 100 ft from streams, plus adjoining steep slopes. Inside one, almost any new outdoor work needs county review, and adding impervious cover needs an exception. SetbackIQ checks the county's RPA map.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.

The details

  • Allowed without review: routine repairs, ordinary gardening that exposes less than 50 by 50 ft of soil, removing invasive plants without leaving bare soil.High confidence
  • A Water Quality Impact Assessment form goes with most RPA requests. LDA projects need a site-specific RPA survey.High confidence

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SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

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Common questions

What if my lot is in a floodplain, Resource Protection Area or wetland in Arlington County?
Resource Protection Areas run 100 ft from streams, plus adjoining steep slopes. Inside one, almost any new outdoor work needs county review, and adding impervious cover needs an exception. SetbackIQ checks the county's RPA map.

Sources

  1. Arlington County, Resource Protection Area (RPA) and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance. Checked 2026-10-21
    [RPA review is required for] new or replaced fences and retaining walls; new paved surfaces, including gravel; decks, sheds, and pergolas; removing trees 3 inches or more in diameter... [A CBORC exception is required for] increasing impervious cover in the …

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.