FAQs • Pensacola, FL • CivicEngage

What is an equivalent stormwater unit (ESU)?: The equivalent stormwater unit (ESU) is a billing unit, similar to a kilowatt hour that is the billing unit used to measure electric consumption. In Pensacola, each ESU represents 2,998 square feet, which was proposed in the 2012 fiscal year, of impervious surface that is found on the property.

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Stormwater Assessment

1. Why was I sent a notice?: You received an official notification of the public hearing that took place at City Hall on August 23, 2001. At that meeting, City Council adopted a stormwater assessment fee.

The notice was sent to you as the owner of a developed property that will be affected by the fee. It includes the billing information for that specific property and an invitation for you to attend a meeting.

2. How much money will the city collect from this assessment at the $72.24 per year 2017 fiscal year proposed rate?: It is estimated that $2,800,000 will be collected at the $72.24 rate that was proposed during the 2017 fiscal year.

3. How will this money be spent?: The money collected can only be spent on stormwater service programs. As a result of passing this service assessment, however, $1.5 million will be available for new stormwater capital project to be paid from the general fund.

4. Is Escambia County involved in this program?: No, Escambia County is not involved in this program. This is a city program and the money will only be spent on stormwater problems within the city limits.

5. What is an equivalent stormwater unit (ESU)?: The equivalent stormwater unit (ESU) is a billing unit, similar to a kilowatt hour that is the billing unit used to measure electric consumption. In Pensacola, each ESU represents 2,998 square feet, which was proposed in the 2012 fiscal year, of impervious surface that is found on the property.

6. What is an impervious surface?: An impervious surface is the area on a property that is covered by buildings, driveways, parking areas, and other hard surfaces that prevent runoff from being absorbed into the soil.

Single-family home sites are assessed based on the impervious area range that they are in. The following ranges are:

Building Sq. Ft. 2018 Rate

Small: 100-1,100 $31.79

Small-Med: 1,100-1,600 $49.12

Medium: 1,601-2,500 $72.24

Large: 2,501-5,600 $110.53

Very Large: 5,601+ Treated as a Commercial Property

8. How much will commercial properties pay?: All developed parcels, with over 100 square feet of impervious surfaces, will be assessed. Nonresidential properties; such as, commercial, industrial, and governmental, will be assessed based on the impervious area associated with their property.

The calculation will consider the total amount of impervious surfaces; such as, building footprint, parking lot, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces, divided by the billing unit value of 2,998, which was proposed in the 2012 fiscal year, and then will be multiplied by the adopted rate.

In some cases, a reduction to the bill amount will be granted if the property has a privately maintained drainage facility in place.

Some nonresidential properties that were constructed after 1986 will automatically receive a mitigation credit. More information on mitigation credits and other adjustments has been mailed with the first class notice you have received.

9. I don't think my parcel should be charged a fee. How can I have it reviewed?: Please contact Customer Service at 850-435-1800 and provide your name, address, phone number, a the best time for someone to reach you, and most importantly, the Parcel Identification Number found on the Notice of Public Hearing. You will be contacted within the next few days.