TranslateNon-Residential properties include all properties not considered residential properties, such as commercial or industrial properties, apartment buildings, and non-profit or faith-based properties.
What's New?
The stormwater utility fee recently increased to accelerate capital stormwater projects and maintenance to mitigate flooding impacts from more intense rainfall events that have occurred over the last two-years. City Council voted on the increase via revision to the ordinance at the January 26, 2021, Legislative Session and adopted on second reading at the February 20 Public Hearing. The stormwater utility is billed twice a year in May and October and each billing is based on half (½) the billing rate. The May 2021 billing rate increased from $140 to $210, and is being billed at $105 (half of $210). The October 2021 billing rate will increase to $280 and be billed at $140 (half of $280).
What's my fee?
To view the Stormwater Utility Fee for any property: Use the property search or Stormwater Utility Fee Viewer and enter the property address. Approved credits will only show on the property search.
Non-residential properties are billed using a calculated method. The calculated fee is based on a billing unit of 2,062 square feet. The total impervious area on a property, such as a building footprint and parking lot, are calculated using GIS analysis.
The fee for the total impervious area of a non-residential condominium building is divided among the condo units proportionally based on the interior floor area of each condo to the total interior floor area. Non-residential condominiums in a mixed-use building will be charged a flat fee, unless their total interior floor area exceeds a certain threshold of the total building interior floor area. The impervious area calculation still only considers hard surfaces that a rain drop could fall on, so it does not consider the interior square footage of a building.
Learn more about the Stormwater Utility Fee and the services it funds.
How do I pay?
Most customers receive the bill as a line item on their real estate tax bill that is received directly or through their mortgage company in May and October each year. Properties who do not pay real estate tax, receive a bill for just the stormwater utility fee. Contact the Finance Department for assistance or to pay a bill.
Credits for Stormwater Management
Eligible credits may reduce fees by up to 50 percent. Credit eligibility and documentation requirements vary by property type. Learn about the credit policy and how to apply:
- Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Manual
- To access online forms use the property search - available during the credit application window only
- Use this link for Adobe/ paper forms
Read the Credit Manual to learn more about the credit policies and visit stormwater management best practices to learn more about the design and construction of these practices.
Credits for Structural Stormwater Facilities
To be eligible for credit, structural stormwater management best practices must be designed and installed as per the most current version of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) BMP Clearinghouse standards or per the standard at the time of development, if the BMP or detention facility was installed as a mandatory condition of development or sale.
Applications must be submitted with required documentation, including design information, if not on record with the City (this is rare). Generally, annual documentation consists of a certification of proper functioning.
- The Certification form must be performed by a qualified professional such as a licensed engineer, architect, or land surveyor or a person who holds the Certified Inspector for Stormwater Management certificate of competence through Virginia DEQ.
Upon receipt of a completed application, the City will check that the property and the facility meet the eligibility requirements described in the Credit Manual, including whether a Stormwater Management / BMP Facilities Operation and Maintenance Agreement is on file. The City will contact you if the agreement is not on file or if additional information is required to process the credit application.
Credits for Litter Cleanup Programs
Registration for litter cleanup programs is open year-round. We encourage property owners or groups associated with the property to register for voluntary programs during the credit application window a year in advance to allow time to conduct the volunteer activities throughout the year. Registration can be performed by either the owner or the group contact for litter cleanup events.
The Credit Manual includes credits for three different litter cleanup programs: Adopt-A-Waterway, Adopt-A-Block, and Adopt-A-Storm Drain.
Step 1: Register during the year. Use the following guides / maps to identify features for adoption:
- Adopt-A-Waterways Maps
- Adopt-A-Blocks Maps (There are two Adopt-A-Block programs run by Transportation and Environmental Services. The one under the stormwater management program offers participants a stormwater utility fee reduction and the one under the Street Cleaning program offers participants a sign with their group or organization name.)
- Adoptable storm-drains are those on your property. You must have a minimum of 5 to be eligible.
Step 2: Apply for credit during the annual credit application window. Documentation requirements for non-residential voluntary activities include:
- Completed program registration
- Total number of cleanup hours (Adopt-A-Waterway) and (Adopt-A-Block) or total number of private storm drains adopted (Adopt-A-Storm Drain)
- Cleanup event waivers / sign-in sheets
- Date-stamped photos from cleanup events
- Tally Sheets of pounds of litter collected
CREDITS FOR New Tree Planting
The Credit Manual includes a calculated, rebate-like credit for new tree planting.
- New Tree Planting - native tree planting, minimum 1" caliper in size - Max 30% in year planted, based on number of trees planted. Tree caliper is a standardized measurement of tree diameter. For 1" caliper trees, the diameter of the tree trunk is measured at 6" above the ground.