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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is stormwater runoff?
Storm water runoff is the water that flows off roofs, driveways, parking
lots, and other hard surfaces during rain storms. Rather than being absorbed
into the ground, it pours into storm drains, catch basins, ditches, and
culverts and enters the local stream, lake or river. Storm water does not
receive treatment like wastewater. It simply returns to the streams and
river. |
Why is stormwater an environmental issue in our area?
In urban areas, storm water carries harmful pollutants, erodes topsoil and
stream banks, and destroys the habitat of fish and aquatic life. Common
pollutants like oil from parking lots and sediment from construction sites
as well as the thermal heating from contact with warm roofs and streets
are detrimental to storm water quality thus affecting stream quality.
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Why am I being charged this fee?
An unfunded federal mandate requires cities and counties with an urbanized
population to provide a water quality program. Dense populations are directly
associated with poor water quality throughout the USA. The program will
provide pollution investigations and require construction activity plans
review and inspection. The annual storm water fee along with permit fees
provide the funding for this program. |
When did this fee start?
The Hamilton County Water Quality Program fee first appeared
on the 2004 property tax bill. |
Who is responsible for the fee?
The property owner is responsible for payment of the storm water fee. |
If I think my fee is wrong, how do I appeal?
A written appeal can be submitted to the program manager for consideration
at the next meeting of the Hamilton County Water Quality
Management Committee. |
Can the fee be prorated?
No. |
Is anyone exempt from paying the fee?
If the property is tax exempt, then it is also exempt from the stormwater
fee. |
What is considered to be the County’s stormwater system?
All manmade storm drains and ditches, as well as natural streams, rivers
and lakes in the program area are part of the stormwater system. The program
is required to respond to pollution problems in all of the water bodies,
therefore they are included in the County’s stormwater system. |
How is my fee calculated?
If the land use of the property is residential, the storm water fee is $9.00
per residential unit. If the property is used for commercial, industrial
or manufacturing activity, it is assessed at a rate of $108 per impervious
acre. This is all based on the average residential unit with 3500 square
feet of impervious area. |
I have vacant properties. One is charged a small fee, and the
others are not charged this fee at all. Why?
If there is a driveway, parking lot or even a shed on the property, it is
subject to the storm water fee since impervious area is the determining
factor. If there are no forms of impervious area on the property, no storm
water should be assessed. Aerial photographs are used to determine impervious
area. |
Are there any interest or penalties assessed on late stormwater
fees?
Yes. Interest and penalties are assessed at a rate of 1% and 1/2% respectively. |
Is the entire County part of this program?
No. All properties in East Ridge, Collegedale, Ridgeside, Lakesite, Red
Bank, Lookout Mountain, and Soddy Daisy are in the program area. The program
is also required to include the urbanized portion (over 1,000 people per
square mile) of unincorporated Hamilton County.
Click here for Program Area link. |
How was the StormWater Program Developed?
Hamilton County, East Ridge, Collegedale, Ridgeside, Lakesite, Red Bank,
Lookout Mountain, and Soddy Daisy entered into an interlocal agreement to
establish a multi-jurisdictional storm water program in order to comply
with the federal mandate. Local government staff worked with a consulting
firm to develop the program components, budget and funding mechanisms.
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