Stormwater Utility Information

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Keep It Clean, Harrisonburg

The City of Harrisonburg adopted a Stormwater Utility Fee to provide funding in the support of the operation, maintenance, and regulation of the City's extensive stormwater management system. 

The utility fee has been designed for owners of developed property in the City to assist in stormwater management program costs. The utility fee program is based on the amount of impervious area on developed property because properties with higher amounts of impervious area contribute greater amounts of stormwater runoff and pollutants to the stormwater management system. Property owners will see this fee as a separate line item on their Real Estate Tax Bill.

The current fee is $6.00 per 500 sq. ft of impervious surface. 

To pay for or view your bill, visit the Real Estate Tax page. 

 

Stormwater Utility Fee Information for Property Owners

RESIDENTIAL CREDIT PROGRAM BUTTONNon-Residential Button

Use the above buttons above to learn more about the Residential or Non-Residential Credit Programs!

 

How is the Stormwater Utility Fee calculated?

The fee is based on the amount of impervious area on developed property in the City. Example of impervious areas includes roofs, sidewalks, and parking areas. The program establishes a billing unit of $6.00 per year for every 500 square feet (SF) of impervious area. See the image below for an example property calculation.

Example Fee Calculation

 

 

What does the Stormwater Utility Fee pay for?

The stormwater utility fee pays for the City's projects and programs to reduce polluted runoff. The first several years of the program will focus on the following activities:

  • Development of  a city-wide Stormwater Improvement Plan to identify, select, and prioritize capital projects to reduce pollution, manage stormwater, and protect our drinking water sources.
  • Design and construction of stormwater capital projects, including retrofits and community greening projects to reduce pollution and improve water quality.  This includes projects on city owned properties and partnerships (such as grants or cost-share) with private property owners. 
  • Coordination of pollution reduction efforts including staff training, pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices for municipal operations, pollution detection and elimination program, and public education and outreach.
  • Maintenance and operation of city-owned stormwater drainage and stormwater management facilities. 

How was the Stormwater Utility Fee Program developed?

The program was developed by city staff and the Council appointed members of the Stormwater Advisory Committee, and included open house meetings and public input (Learn about the Stormwater Utility Fee development process.)

 

How was the impervious area on my property assessed?

PDF[391KB] Impervious Area Assessment Fact Sheet


How do I see how much impervious area is on my property using the Stormwater Utility Mapping Tool?

Stormwater Utility Mapping

 

If you have questions about your stormwater utility bill, or how to use this tool, please call Harrisonburg Public Works at 540-434-5928 or email stormwater@harrisonburgva.gov.

 

Is the City's mapping of my property's impervious areas correct? (Select image below)

Is Our Mapping Correct?

 

 

How do I reduce my fee through the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program?

Property owners are encouraged to participate in the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Program and submit an application for new or existing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties. By maintaining BMPs, property owners can reduce stormwater runoff volume and pollutant levels from their properties and can reduce their fee by up to 50%. 

Click on the buttons below to find out more about the residential and non-residential credit programs.

Residential Credit Program linkNon-Residential Credit Information Link

 

How can I receive technical assistance and funding to install Best Management Practices?

Technical assistance and funding for eligible projects is available through the Soil and Water Conservation District's Harrisonburg Conservation Assistance Program (HCAP). Property owners can work with the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District (SVSWCD) to implement BMPs on their properties and then apply for Stormwater Utility Fee Credits through the City of Harrisonburg. 

More information about the Harrisonburg Conservation Assistance Program (HCAP) can be found on the HCAP webpage

If you have additional questions about the HCAP Program, please contact Chelsea Thomas with the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. 

Website: svswcd.org

Phone: 540-534-3055

Email: chelsea.thomas@svswcd.org

Office Address: 1934 Deyerle Avenue, Suite B, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

 

What if I still have questions?

PDF[210KB] Stormwater Management & Utility Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  -The Stormwater Utility Fee Frequently Asked Questions has been prepared to assist property owners in answering inquiries about the fee.

 

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Notify HarrisonburgReceive notifications about volunteer opportunities (i.e. stream cleanup and plantings, workshops, public meetings, and other related stormwater and environmental events sponsored by the City. Subscribe here.

 

Contact Information

If you still have questions or would like to speak with someone about the Stormwater Utility Fee, please email  Stormwater@HarrisonburgVA.gov or call 540-434-5928.