For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
Credits. Ongoing reductions in the stormwater service charge applicable to a given property in recognition of on-site or off-site systems, facilities, measures and actions taken by customers to reduce or mitigate the impact of their properties or actions on quantity or quality impacts that would otherwise be managed in the public system. “Credits” shall be conditioned on the continuing performance of the systems, facilities, measures or actions in reference to standards adopted by the utility upon which the credits are granted, and may be revised or rescinded. In no case shall “credits” exceed the amount of the stormwater service charge.
Detached single-family residential. Developed land containing one structure which is not attached to another dwelling unit and which contains one or more rooms with a bathroom and kitchen facilities designed for occupancy by one family and shall include single-family houses, single duplex units, manufactured homes, and mobile homes located on individual lots or parcels of lands. Developed land may be classified as “detached single-family residential” despite the presence of incidental structures associated with residential uses such as garages, carports or small storage buildings. “Detached single-family residential” shall not include developed land containing structures used primarily for nonresidential purposes, manufactured homes and mobile homes located within manufactured home or mobile home parks, or other multiple unit properties.
Developed land. Property altered from a natural state that contains impervious surface.
Equivalent rate unit. Two thousand square feet of impervious surface or any fraction thereof.
Impervious surfaces. Those areas within developed land which prevent or significantly impede the infiltration of stormwater into the soil. Common “impervious surfaces” include but are not limited to roof tops, sidewalks, walkways, patio areas, roads, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, brick or concrete pavers, compacted gravel surfaces (roads, driveways, parking and storage areas), and other surfaces which prevent or significantly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater into the soil.
Other properties. Any developed land not fitting the definition of detached single-family residential. “Other properties” shall include but not be limited to attached single-family houses, townhouses and condominiums, apartments, boarding houses, hotels and motels, churches, commercial properties which include dwelling units, manufactured home or mobile home parks, commercial and office buildings, storage areas, parking lots and other impervious areas, parks, recreation properties, public and private schools and universities, hospitals and convalescent centers, office buildings, airports, agricultural uses involving impervious surfaces, and water and wastewater treatment plants. Real properties which are used for other than single-family residential use located in single-family residential structures or duplexes shall be deemed other properties for the purpose of calculating the stormwater service charge. The definition of “other properties” shall be broadly construed such that any property having areas of impervious coverage shall be subject to the stormwater service charge unless otherwise provided.
Service charge. The stormwater service charges applicable to a parcel of developed land which is generally reflective of a parcel’s impact on the cost of providing services and facilities to properly control stormwater runoff quantity and/or quality. The “service charge” will vary from one parcel of developed land to another based upon the amount of impervious surfaces.
Stormwater. The runoff from precipitation that travels over natural or developed surfaces to the nearest stream, other conduit, or impoundment and appears in lakes, rivers, ponds or other bodies of water.
Stormwater and drainage systems. Natural and structural channels, swales, ditches, swamps, rivers, streams, creeks, branches, reservoirs, ponds, drainage ways, inlets, catch basins, pipes, head walls, storm sewers, lakes, and other physical works, properties and improvements which transfer, control, convey or otherwise influence the movement of stormwater runoff.
Stormwater management programs. Programs designed to protect water quality by controlling the level of pollutants in, and the quantity and flow of, stormwater.
Stormwater utility. A management structure that is responsible solely and specifically for the stormwater management program and system and that is supported through a rate structure that is based on the amount of stormwater generated by individual properties.
Undeveloped land. Land that does not meet the definition of developed lands.
(Ord. No. 01-71, § 1, passed 5-10-2001; Ord. No. 02-133, § 1, passed 12-12-2002)