(a) Residential equivalent factor. Rates and charges for the use and availability of the system will be determined through the use of a “residential equivalent factor” (“REF”). A REF has been developed for the storm water runoff volume (Volume REF), the storm water runoff
(Quality REF) and a composite that is used for the final utility fee calculation (Utility REF). For the purposes of this Article IV, the
VOLUME REF is defined as the ratio of the average volume of surface water runoff coming from one acre of land subjected to a particular use, to the average volume of runoff coming from one acre of land subjected to typical single-family residential use within the city during a standard rainfall event. The QUALITY REF is defined as the ratio of the
(measured as
) coming from land subjected to a particular use, to the
coming from land subjected to typical single-family residential use within the city. The UTILITY REF is defined as the ratio of the sum of the volume and quality portions of the total annual storm water drainage utility fee for a given land use classification (as computed using the Volume REF and the Quality REF for that land use classification), to the sum of the volume and quality portions of the total annual storm water drainage utility fee for the single-family residential land use classification (as computed using the Volume REF and the Quality REF for the single family residential land use classification).
The Utility REF for each of the land use classifications will be revised at such time in the future when there is a shift in the percentage of utility expenditures related to storm water runoff volume and storm water runoff quality treatment. The revision will be determined by the Director of Public Works, who will notify the City Council of the action.
(b) Storm water drainage charges. In determining charges the City Council will by resolution establish a basic system rate to be charged against one acre of land having a Utility REF of one. The charge to be made against each parcel of land will then be determined by multiplying the Utility REF for the parcel’s land use classification times the parcel’s acreage times the basic system rate. The Volume, Quality and Utility REF’s for the following land uses within the city and the billing classifications for such land uses are as follows:
Classification | Land Uses | Volume REF | Quality REF | Utility REF |
1 | Cemeteries, parks, golf courses | 0.41 | 0.50 | 0.43 |
2 | Single-family and duplex residential | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
3 | Public and private schools and institutional uses | 1.36 | 3.05 | 1.67 |
4 | Multiple-family residential and place(s) of assembly for worship | 2.18 | 3.21 | 2.37 |
5 | Commercial and industrial | 3.79 | 6.10 | 4.22 |
For the purposes of calculating storm water drainage charges, all developed single-family and duplex parcels will be considered to have an acreage of one-third acre per unit. Double bungalows or duplexes will be considered to be two units.
(Ord. 2015-28, passed 11-2-2015)