diff --git a/src/lint/engine/ArcanistConfigurationDrivenLintEngine.php b/src/lint/engine/ArcanistConfigurationDrivenLintEngine.php
--- a/src/lint/engine/ArcanistConfigurationDrivenLintEngine.php
+++ b/src/lint/engine/ArcanistConfigurationDrivenLintEngine.php
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@
 
         $linter = clone $linters[$type];
         $linter->setEngine($this);
+        $linter->willSetLinterConfiguration($spec);
         $more = $linter->getLinterConfigurationOptions();
 
         foreach ($more as $key => $option_spec) {
diff --git a/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php b/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
--- a/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
+++ b/src/lint/linter/ArcanistLinter.php
@@ -487,6 +487,10 @@
     return null;
   }
 
+  public function willSetLinterConfiguration(array $config) {
+    return;
+  }
+
   public function getLinterConfigurationOptions() {
     if (!$this->canCustomizeLintSeverities()) {
       return array();