Typically, property owners within a municipality are responsible for these charges, which are based on the amount of impervious surface on their property. For example, a large parking lot generates more runoff than a small lawn, resulting in a higher assessment. This system recognizes that developed land alters natural drainage patterns, increasing the volume and speed of rainwater entering the storm drain system.
These fees are essential for funding the construction, maintenance, and improvement of stormwater management infrastructure. This infrastructure, which includes pipes, ditches, and retention ponds, protects communities from flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Historically, these costs were often incorporated into general property taxes. However, dedicated charges provide a more transparent and equitable way to fund these vital services, ensuring that those contributing most to the problem bear a proportionate share of the cost.
