The City Council makes the following findings regarding storm water runoff and the city’s storm drain system.
(A) The city’s existing storm drain system consists of a network of human-made and natural facilities, structures and conduits that collect and route storm water runoff.
(B) Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff causes erosion and property damage.
(C) Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff impedes the regular flow of traffic in the city. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff hinders the city’s ability to provide emergency services to its residents.
(D) Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff poses health hazards to the citizens of the city.
(E) Storm water runoff carries concentrations of oil, grease, nutrients, chemicals, heavy metals, toxic materials and other undesirable materials that may jeopardize the integrity of ground waters and receiving waters, including the city’s culinary water supply.
(F) All developed properties in the city contribute to the need for the storm drain system by converting natural ground cover into impervious surfaces.
(G) All developed properties in the city make use of or benefit from the city’s operation and maintenance of the storm drain system.
(H) The city’s existing storm drain system does not adequately handle the storm water runoff generated in the city.
(I) The city’s anticipated growth will place increased demands on the already inadequate storm drain system.
(J) The absence of effective maintenance, operation, regulation and control of the existing storm water drainage conditions in the city, constitute a potential hazard to the health, safety and general welfare of the city, its residents and its businesses.
(K) A storm drain utility is the most equitable and efficient method of managing storm water in the city and ensures that each property in the city pays its fair share of the amount that the property contributes to, benefits from and otherwise uses the storm drain system.
(Prior Code, § 24.05.010) (Ord. 00-22, passed 6-1-2000; Ord. 20-01, passed 1-2-2020)