The Arlington County Board voted unanimously Oct. 18 to advertise a public hearing on proposed changes to county code Chapter 14.3 that would revise trespass-towing fees and add placard requirements for tow trucks.

The proposal seeks authorization to advertise the maximum hookup and initial towing fee allowed under state law and to solicit public comment before a final recommendation. Vice Chair Matt Ferrante moved the motion; Board member Julius “JD” Spain seconded it. The motion passed with all five members voting yes.

The changes follow a 2024 state-level review of towing rates and recommendations from the county’s Trespass Towing Advisory Board. Aaron Miller, a county staff member who presented the item, told the board the advertisement will list the state-allowed maximum so the public hearing can consider any rate up to that cap. He said staff will use public input and additional analysis to shape the final recommendation.

Miller also reported that the advisory board recommended two additional items — requiring towers to provide towing contracts on request and allowing the advisory board to review appeals of permit denials — but staff recommended not including those changes in the advertisement. Staff said all operators provided contracts when they applied this year and that state law limits the advisory board’s formal role to advising on ordinance provisions rather than appeals.

Vice Chair Ferrante asked staff to prepare a locally focused study of fair-market value and report back before final action. The board directed the county manager to return results no later than Dec. 13, 2025.

Public testimony during the item included concerns about transparency and compliance by some towing operators. Matt Chist, a member of the public, urged the county to improve outreach and make any study publicly available. Chist also said some tow operators have continued to block public alleys and to overcharge customers despite prior enforcement actions.

The board and staff said they will expand outreach — including to neighborhood groups and the business community — and make the forthcoming study and materials public prior to the final vote. A county staff coordinator for the Trespass Towing Advisory Board began work the week of the meeting, staff said.

The board will hold the advertised public hearing on Dec. 13, 2025, and any final ordinance changes would follow the public-comment period and further staff analysis.