Stormwater Utility Fee

What a Stormwater Utility Fee is Used for

A Stormwater Utility Fee is used for:

  • Ensuring Town compliance with federal and state water quality requirements
  • Infrastructure improvement and maintenance programs
  • Inspections of detention ponds
  • Investigating spills or reports of illegal dumping

How the Stormwater Utility Fee is Calculated

The stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious area on a non-residential property.

Impervious Surface

An impervious area is any surface that prevents water from soaking into the ground (i.e., buildings, driveways, parking lots). Pervious surfaces are surfaces that allow water to soak into the ground (lawns, gardens).

How Residential Rates Are Determined

Residential stormwater rates are based on the total square footage of impervious surfaces on the lot of the property owner.

Residential Rate

  • Tier 1: less than 3,000 square feet $4.25 per month
  • Tier 2: 3,000-4,000 square feet $5.00 per month 
  • Tier 3: 4,000-5,000 square feet $5.25 per month
  • Tier 4: greater than 5,000 square feet $5.50 per month

Non-Residential Rates

Impervious area was measured from a sample of single-family residential parcels within the town, and an average was calculated. This average is referred to as the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). All non-residential properties will be assigned a fee based on the amount of ERU for impervious area. 
  • One (1) ERU = 2,060 sq. ft. of impervious area
  • Rate = $3.38 per ERU per month

Example of a Non-Residential Stormwater Fee


Impervious: 31,746 square feet
ERUs: 15.4107
Yearly Fee: $625.06

Reduce or Dispute a Stormwater Utility Fee

For more information on reducing or disputing a stormwater utility fee, please call the Town of Indian Trail Engineering Department at 704-821-5401.