Frequently Asked Questions
CITY OF STAUNTON STORMWATER UTILITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Stormwater Utility; how are the fees calculated; and how are the funds being spent?
Please click on this link: Stormwater Utility Ordinance, which details how the program works and why we have it.
2. Why am I being billed for property that drains into the county?
3. Why am I being billed when there is no city storm drain next to my property?
4. I have reported drainage problems on my property – why am I being billed when the city has not fixed these problems?
The answer to these questions is that all developed properties in the City are being assessed (billed) a Stormwater Utility fee, because those properties generate stormwater runoff, and all funds collected by the utility are spent on the City-owned stormwater infrastructure (inlets, pipes, ditches and streams)throughout the City. The City currently has a backlog (not built) of about $15 million worth of storm drain improvement projects intended to mitigate existing flooding problems in the City.
5. Why am I being billed for so much impervious area when I really have less than that?
6. Why is my crushed stone driveway considered impervious?
7. Can the city come out to my property to confirm my bill amount and/or find ways I can get credits to reduce my bill?
The answer to these three questions is that clarifications to impervious areas, and/or credits given, can be found by contacting George Staber at 332-3858 or StaberGI@ci.staunton.va.us . Generally crushed stone surfaces are considered impervious because of the fine material (rock dust) that is usually mixed in with the larger stone. After discussing these issues Mr. Staber will be happy to meet with you at your site to determine your impervious area, what credits you currently qualify for as well as what steps you may take to obtain credits (to lower your bill).
8. Why were we not given advanced warning that this was coming?
The ordinance was adopted by City Council July, 2009, after a public hearing, to go into effect February 1, 2010. As part of the ordinance adoption process public hearings were held. For a period of almost two years prior to adoption, multiple public information meetings and numerous City Council work sessions were conducted.
9. Up until now renters have paid the Stormwater Utility. Why are the landlords now being billed, and why can’t it stay like it was?
The adopted ordinance states specifically that all properties will be assessed the stormwater utility fee, which means that property owners, not renters, are responsible for payment.
10. How can I get the address “corrected” on my billed property?
Questions regarding the address of specific properties should be directed to John Glover, Planning & Inspections Department at 332-3862 or GloverJW@ci.staunton.va.us .
11. How can I get the owner and/or property data “corrected” on my billed property?
Questions regarding ownership and/or property data of specific properties should be directed to the Jim Gallaher, Assessor’s Office at 332-3827 or GallaherJG@ci.staunton.va.us .
12. Are there any properties exempt from the Stormwater Utility fee?
Yes – City-owned properties, VDOT highway rights-of-way, cemeteries, and undeveloped parcels are exempt. All other properties are billed a stormwater utility fee, including federal, state and county properties within the City.
13. Can I get stormwater utility bills for all my properties combined on a single bill?
14. Can I get a yearly bill instead of a bi-monthly bill?
No – at this time the billing software can only process billing each property separately, on a bi-monthly basis. You may however pre-pay any amount you wish (i.e. one year’s worth) and your account will reflect your pre-payments.
