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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is rainwater that cannot be absorbed by the soil during a storm event.

2. What is the purpose of the stormwater utility fee charge?

The fee will allow the city to use general fund revenues that were previously used for stormwater operating costs; to be dedicated for enhanced stormwater treatments and capital improvements.

3. How are current stormwater programs funded?

Currently the city's Stormwater Program is funded through transfers from the general fund.

The proposed rate structure will clearly identify user charges for stormwater program elements and the stormwater utility fee will be based on runoff using the impervious area value that has been assigned to each parcel.

4. What benefits will the program provide to property owners in Pensacola?

The program will address both flooding problems and the water quality issues that can be improved through the maintenance and repair of the existing stormwater system.

These activities will improve the drainage system's ability to function as it was originally designed during future storm events.

5. Are there ways to reduce the fee?

Yes, there are ways to reduce the fee. Credits are available, in the form of bill reductions, for properties that have privately owned and maintained stormwater facilities. If you have an ownership interest in such a property, contact the city for additional information.

6. Who will pay the stormwater utility fee?

The total cost of the utility fee will be distributed to the properties placing a burden on the city's stormwater system. The amount of burden is relative to the amount of runoff from the property, measured in terms of the impervious area found on the parcel. Impervious area includes the roof area, paved parking, driveways, and other similar "hard" surfaces.

7. Does the utility fee apply to all property owners in the City of Pensacola?

The utility fee applies to all developed properties, over 100 square feet of impervious surface, in the city's stormwater service area.

Properties in the stormwater service area are hydrologically connected to the city's stormwater system. This means that runoff from the property eventually enters a swale, catch basin, or pipe that is maintained by the city or a water body that is monitored and/or treated by a program of the city.

8. What is an Illicit Discharge Activity?

Illicit Discharge - Any liquid, not composed entirely of stormwater, that is introduced into a stormwater system. Examples include solvents, vehicle fluids, fuels, paints, household products or chlorinated swimming pool water.

Illicit Dumping - Unloading or disposal of solid, semi-solid or liquid substances near or into a stormwater system. Examples include motors, containers, grass clippings and leaves.
Illicit Spills - Any intentional or accidental spill of solid, semi-solid or liquid substances into or adjacent to a stormwater system. Examples include fluids from vehicles, chemicals from drums or storage tanks, used oil, paint containers or fertilizer.

Illicit Connections - Any man-made conveyance which connects non-stormwater discharges directly to a stormwater system. These illicit conveyances are located either above or below the ground and may include drains, pipes or ditches.

9. How do I report a suspected Illicit Discharge Activity?

To Report a suspected Illicit Discharge Activity, you can call 311 or submit a 311 request online, email Public Works at publicworks@cityofpensacola.com, or fax 850-595-1012.