HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 244-05structure for single-family properties from a flat rate to a three-tier rate structure based upon
parcel size, and 2) addition of the Storm Drainage Fee to the list of eligible charges under the
existing Rate Assistance Program (RAP). The RAP provides 20% discounts on eligible utility
charges to qualified low income ratepayers.
Clarification of the fee reduction for properties that do not drain into the storm drain system
In addition, staff recommends that Council approve changes to Utility Rule and Regulation 25
(Special Storm and Surface Water Drainage Utility Regulations) in order to clarify the fee
reduction available to owners of parcels that do not drain into the City's storm drain system. The
existing rule is unclear and confusing, making it difficult to administer and explain to ratepayers.
Examples of parcels that qualify for a fee reduction include those that drain directly to a creek
via a private storm drain system or that drain into an adjacent jurisdiction. The intent of the fee
reduction rule is that owners of thes.e parcels should not be liable to pay that portion of the fee
attributable to actual usage of (i. e. drainage into) the City's storm drain system (e.g. the portion
of the Fee that funds municipal storm' drain capital improvements and maintenance). Rather than
paying the full Storm Drainage Fee, owners of these parcels should only pay for Storm Drainage
Fund activities attributable to the generic discharge of storm runoff (not necessarily directly to
the storm drain system). These activities include coordination with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District on regional flood control projects, administration of the City'S flood hazard regulations,
and implementation of the urban runoff pollution prevention program. Expenditures on these
activities constitute approximately 20% of the Storm Drainage Fund budget; consequently,
owners of parcels that do not drain to the City's storm drain system are charged only 20% of the
Storm Drainage Fee applicable to their parcel. The proposed changes to Rule and Regulation 25
will clarify the nature of the fee reduction available to owners of parcels that do not drain to the
City's storm drain system.
The following changes are included in the attached resolution:
1. Amend Utility Rate Schedule D-l (Storm and Surface Water Drainage) to increase the
Storm Drainage Fee billing rate from $4.25 per month per Equivalent Residential Unit
(ERU) to $10.00 per month per ERU
2. Amend Utility Rate Schedule D-l (Storm and Surface Water Drainage) to create three
billing tiers for single-family residential properties, based upon parcel size, in accordance
with the table below:
•. ·RE&I:I11~Nfl'IA.L.ItA:J'ES·(Sip'gle:.FaIhily •. Residenti~I··Prop·el1ies)',_) ••• ;.·.i ·j/,.,:,;c,· · •. ·~ •• ··;;x;·.····,
PARCEL SIZE (sq.ft.) ERU
< 6,000 sq.ft. 0.8 ERU
6,000-11,000 sq.ft. 1.0 ERU
> 11,000 sq.ft. 1.4 ERU
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