What is the basis for the fees?

The stormwater utility fee charges properties in Fort Mill based on that property’s contribution to the need for stormwater management. The utility uses the square footage of impervious surface, or surface that water is unable to soak into, on a property as the primary basis for the fee.

The vast majority of utilities across the country have found this to be the most equitable way to charge and collect revenues for this program. A stormwater utility fee is similar to a water or sewer fee. In essence, customers pay a fee related to the amount of runoff generated from their site, which is directly related to the amount of impervious surface on the site.

Show All Answers

1. Has stormwater utility been used anywhere else?
2. Why do we need a Stormwater Utility?
3. What is a Stormwater Utility?
4. What is stormwater and why does it need to be managed?
5. What is the concern about stormwater quality?
6. What are some examples of drainage problems?
7. Doesn't stormwater runoff go into the sanitary sewer?
8. Why do we need to spend more for stormwater?
9. What is the Town’s responsibility for stormwater?
10. What services are funded by money collected from the Stormwater Utility fee?
11. What is the basis for the fees?
12. What is impervious surface?
13. How do you determine what I owe?
14. Why do I have to pay a stormwater fee?
15. Who pays the Stormwater Utility fee?
16. Do tax exempt properties have to pay?
17. Are there any properties that are excluded from this fee?
18. My property is not connected to the Town's drainage system. Why should I have to pay?
19. Why do I have to pay when I do not have any drainage problems?
20. Do I have to pay for any unoccupied developed properties that I own?
21. I am a renter; do I pay the fee or does my landlord?
22. What if I don't pay the stormwater fee?
23. How will I be billed?
24. Why not add this to my property taxes?
25. Does the stormwater utility maintain ditch, pipe or channel that cross private property?
26. When are storm drains cleaned?
27. Is it possible to have my fee reduced?
28. How can I be sure this fee won't pay for other Town projects?
29. What if there is an error on my bill?
30. Where can I get more information regarding the stormwater utility?
31. How do I apply for a Land Disturbance Permit?
32. How much does a Land Disturbance Permit cost?
33. Who needs a land disturbance permit?
34. How do I report a Stormwater issue?
35. How can I become more involved in public outreach for Stormwater?
36. How can I have Drippy visit my school/classroom?
37. How do I know if a road is owned by the town, county, or state?
38. What is an Illicit Discharge?
39. Why is illicit discharge a problem?
40. What are some examples of illicit discharges?
41. What are not considered Illicit Discharge?