Stormwater
Utility
The
Stormwater Utility addresses the issue of stormwater pollutants and
their removal or elimination before entering the stormwater system.
Furthermore, the Utility provides the opportunity to integrate various
technologies to manage stormwater, wastewater, and water using a holistic
approach. The utility funding is being used to help fund the repair
and maintenance of stormwater structures to help prevent flooding problems
caused by rainfall that washes off roofs, parking lots, and other impervious
surfaces. Impervious surfaces are those areas within developed land,
which prevent or significantly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater
into the soil. Common impervious surfaces include roof tops, solid decks,
asphalt streets, driveways, patios, parking areas, brick or concrete
pavements, swimming pools, and buildings.
All
property owners are being charged a stormwater utility fee fairly and
proportionately for the demand they put on the system. A utility is
the most predictable, equitable, and stable source of revenue. The utility
divides the fees equitably among property owners of developed properties
so that each owner pays only for the demand they put on the system.
The amount of impervious area on all properties for non-single family
parcels is derived using aerial topography and field measurements. Aerial
photography is used to determine that the median amount of impervious
area. Owners of non-single-family-residential are eligible for a credit
is they have and maintain a stormwater detention or retention facility
on their property in accordance with the City’s policies. Information
concerning specific service charges is presented in the Policy Statements
section of this plan.
The
objectives of the Stormwater Utility is to deliver a higher level of
service in stormwater management through: Watershed Management; Stormwater
Quality; and Public Education, Public Involvement, and Public Participation
| 
ERU? How the Utility Rate Works
In
order to calculate your payment it is imperative to first understand
the meaning of ERU. The acronym ERU stands for Equivalent Runoff
Unit, or the amount of impervious
area on your property… roof, patio, drive, etc. The standard
ERU in Griffin is based on 2,200 SF of impervious area. |
Residential:
Less than 1,600 SF
House: 1,000 SF
Driveway: 450 SF
Total:
1,450 SF (impervious area)
Charge (approx):
Monthly $2.48
Yearly $29.76 |
Residential:
Greater than 1,600 SF
House: 1,800 SF
Driveway: 600 SF
Total:
2,400 SF (impervious area)
Charge (approx):
Monthly $3.73
Yearly $44.76 |
Commercial:
ERU = 2,200 SF
Building: 5,000 SF
Parking, etc.: 10,000 SF
Total: 15,000 SF
(impervious area)
Divide 15,000 SF by the standard 2,200 ERU = 6.81 ERUs. Round
to 7 ERUs then multiply by $3.73 = $26.11 per month; $313.32 per
year |
Credit Manual
A stormwater credit may be available to you for a well-designed
and maintained detention/retention facility.
Credit
Manual
Design Manual
This manual provides environmentally friendly information on the selection,
design and implementation of urbanized stormwater run-off control devices.
Design Manual
Legal
Implications
Creating a stormwater utility and its legal implications.
Legal
Aspects | Legal
Implications
Masterplan
Used to manage our watersheds and create an example of how
to for others.
Masterplan
Ordinances
Required laws relating to the City of Griffin Stormwater
program.
Establishing
a Stormwater Utility |
Utility Service Charge |
Utility Amendment
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