(A) Determining the REF.
(1) The accumulated direct runoff (Q) used to determine the REFs shall be calculated based on an evaluation of the land use and application of a standardized soil type and rainfall event.
(2) The calculated direct runoff (Q) shall be based on the runoff equation in the Soil Conservation Services (SCS) National Engineering Handbook Section 4 -Hydrology. The equation is as follows:
Q | = | (P-0.2S)2 |
P + 0.8S |
Where:
S = (1000/CN)-10
P = 2.0 inches (Based on a 24-hour two-inch rainfall event)
CN = Runoff index (Based on the land use and the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS Type B soils)
The runoff indices (CN) and REFs for the various land uses within the city shall be set forth in the table below.
Land Use | Runoff Index (CN) | REF |
Land Use | Runoff Index (CN) | REF |
Single-family residential | 72 | 1.00 |
Duplexes, twin homes, townhomes | 72 | 1.00 |
Multi-family residential | 85 | 2.72 |
Municipal | 88 | 3.30 |
Commercial | 92 | 4.23 |
Industrial | 88 | 3.30 |
Institutional: schools, churches, hospitals | 88 | 3.30 |
Public/government | 92 | 4.23 |
(3) The REF for land uses not list above shall be determined by the city based on probable hydrologic response.
(B) Establishing unit rates. The City Council shall from time to time, by resolution, establish the unit rate. The unit rate so established shall be on file with the City Administrator and shall be used to compute the charges for a given parcel of land based on the following formula:
Stormwater Charges = (UR) x (REF) x (SA) |
(C) Standardized charges. The following rules shall apply for all purpose of simplifying and equalizing charges.
(1) A standard surface area of 0.38 acres shall be used for single-family residential parcels.
(2) A standard surface area of 0.38 acres for each unit shall be used in computing stormwater charges for the following dwellings: duplexes, twin homes, townhouses and detached townhouses. (For example, a parcel that contains four townhouse units shall have a surface area computed as follows: 4 units x 0.38 acres/unit = 1.52 acres).
(3) Parcels subject to these standardized charges shall not be eligible for adjustments (credits) to charges or adjustments to area as set forth elsewhere herein.
(D) Adjustments (credits) to charges. The City Council may provide for the adjustment of charges for parcels or groups of parcels based upon hydrologic response substantially different from the REF being used for the parcel or for parcels which employ BMPs or other stormwater management practices on-site that significantly reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff from the parcel. The adjustment shall be made only after receiving the recommendation from the Public Works Director, and shall not be made effective retroactively. If the adjustment would have the effect of changing the REF for all or substantially all parcels in a particular land use classification, the adjustment shall be accomplished by amending the REF table listed in division (A) above.
(E) Adjustment of stormwater utility fees. Stormwater utility fees may be adjusted under any of the following conditions.
(1) Revisions of unit rate. The estimated expenditures for the management of stormwater shall be reviewed by the City Council. The unit rate shall be adjusted accordingly to meet the estimated expenditures and will follow established procedures for adjustment of utility rates.
(2) Minimum or maximum fees.
(a) The City Council may establish a minimum or maximum monthly fee per parcel.
(b) The minimum fee shall be set equal to the single-family residential standardized fee.
(3) Application for credit. The city may establish a credit policy and utilize a credit application form for consideration of fee reduction.
(4) Change in development condition of parcel. As land is developed and/or redeveloped the fees will be re-computed based on the revised land use.
(F) Adjustment to area. The total parcel area as shown in the City Assessor's records will be used to calculate the surface area for a given parcel, except that apparent errors in the recorded values may be subject to recalculation by the city. It is the responsibility of the owner or manager of any parcel to provide the city with necessary surveys, and other information as the city may reasonably request, to determine if a parcel, or portion of a parcel, qualifies for an exception or area adjustment. Requests for exceptions and/or area adjustments will be reviewed after receipt of all requested information. Exceptions and/or adjustments must be approved by the city, and shall become effective the beginning of the next billing cycle following approval.
(G) Exceptions. The following land uses are exempt from the stormwater utility fees established herein:
(1) Public street right-of-way;
(2) Wetlands and public waters as defined by state law;
(3) Undeveloped parcels;
(4) Publicly-owned park lands, natural areas and recreational fields;
(5) Railroad right-of-way; and
(6) Cemeteries.
(H) Falsification of information. Willful failure to provide information that the city may reasonably request related to the use, development and area of a premise, or falsification of information, shall constitute a violation of the city's stormwater utility regulations.
(Ord. 291, passed 5-7-2009)