If you own or rent a home in Fairfax County, there's money on the table to help you protect it from flooding. Here's exactly what the program covers, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Great Falls McLean Northern Virginia Waterproofing FMAP Homeowner Tips Fairfax County Virginia

1. 50% reimbursement on eligible projects
2. $5,000 maximum reimbursement per property
3. $250K total program funding per fiscal year

What is the Fairfax County Flood Mitigation Assistance Program?

The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) is a county-funded initiative that reimburses Fairfax County property owners for the cost of flood-proofing their homes. The program is administered by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) and covers 50% of eligible project costs, up to $5,000 per property.

The program launched July 1, 2024, and runs on a fiscal-year basis (July 1 through June 30). Funding is limited each year, so early applications carry an advantage.

Funding is first-come, first-served and can run out before the fiscal year ends. Check availability before starting any project.

Who qualifies for FMAP?

The program is open to a broader group than most people expect. You do not need to be in a mapped floodplain or have experienced flooding before to be eligible.

• Fairfax County residential property owners
• Renters (with written approval from the property owner)
• Homeowner and condominium associations
• Places of worship

Commercial properties are not eligible. Properties within the City of Fairfax, Town of Vienna, or Town of Herndon are also excluded, even though they may share a Fairfax County mailing address. Use the Fairfax County Address Validator to confirm your property qualifies before spending anything.

What projects does FMAP reimburse?

The program covers a specific list of approved flood-proofing practices. Projects not on the approved list may still be eligible if reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis by NVSWCD.

• Watertight window wells
• Doorway floodgates
• Backup sump pump batteries
• Utility covers
• Temporary flood barriers
• Grading changes
• Exterior drains
• and more..

Have a project in mind that's not on this list? Contact NVSWCD before spending any money. They can tell you whether your project qualifies before you commit to the work.

How does the application process work?

FMAP is a reimbursement program, not an advance grant. That means you complete and pay for the work first, then apply for reimbursement afterward. Here's the sequence:

• Confirm your property address is within Fairfax County (not City of Fairfax, Vienna, or Herndon)
• Verify funding is still available before starting your project
• Complete your eligible flood mitigation project and obtain any required permits
• Gather your documentation: itemized receipts, photos of the completed work, proof of payment, and permit records
• Submit your application online through the NVSWCD portal

Applications are reviewed in the order received. Reimbursement is typically issued within 60 days of a complete, accurate application. You can apply multiple times for different projects at the same property, as long as the total reimbursement does not exceed $5,000.

Frequently asked questions

Does my property have to be in a floodplain to qualify?

No. The program is open to all eligible Fairfax County residential properties regardless of flood zone designation or prior flood history.

Can I apply for multiple projects?

Yes. You can submit separate applications for different projects at the same address. The total reimbursement across all applications cannot exceed $5,000 per property.

What if I'm a renter?

Renters can apply, but must provide written approval from the property owner as part of the application.

What if funds run out during the fiscal year?

Your application will be placed on a waitlist and prioritized when new funding becomes available at the start of the next fiscal year (July 1).

More FAQs here.

Why this matters for Northern Virginia homeowners

Fairfax County's Resilient Fairfax Plan specifically identifies increased heavy rainfall events as a growing risk. The July 2019 storm that dropped five inches of rain in a single hour was a preview. The county is not able to eliminate flooding, but FMAP gives property owners a funded path to reduce their exposure before the next major event.

For homeowners in Great Falls, McLean, Reston, and Vienna (proper Fairfax County addresses), this is one of the few direct financial tools available for home resilience. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, and flood insurance itself is underutilized across Virginia.

One more thing worth knowing: Fairfax County participates in FEMA's Community Rating System at a Class 6 level, which qualifies all county policyholders for a 20% reduction on flood insurance premiums, regardless of whether the property is in a designated flood zone. That discount applies even to policies in Zone X.

Ready to apply or find out if your project qualifies?

Contact the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District at conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1460.

Thinking about buying or selling in Great Falls, McLean, Reston, or anywhere in Northern Virginia?

Eric Fafoglia at Strong Foundations Group helps clients understand what local programs and market conditions mean for the value and long-term protection of their home. Reach out anytime.