Agenda - 05-04-2004-5l - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Introduction Page 10 of 11 '~~ We have tentatively scheduled Council action to establish a stormwater management utility for the June 14, 2004, regular Council meeting at the same time that the Council is scheduled to consider adoption of a budget for 2004-05. REC4DIVIML+;NDATI®NS Planning Board's Recommendations: The Planning Board recommends the concept of establishing a stormwater utility, including extensive public education in the first year. The Boazd also recommends: (I) more work to include participation of UNC, Carrboro, and Orange County in the utility program; (2) establishment of an acceptable credit system; (3) annual review of the program by the Planning Board; (4) provide more and improved field inspection activities; and (5) establish a precise procedure for enforcement of violations. Comment: We agree with the Planning Board's recommendations and we think that the proposed stormwater management program would provide the desired outcomes. Community Desi Commission's Recommendations: The Community Design Commission recommends: (1) elimination of a cap on impervious surface area for calculating ERL7s; (2) exempting affordable housing from the first 2,000 square feet of impervious surface area; (.3) establishing the fee structure to encourage innovative stormwater management practices; (4) revising the fee structure so that it does not penalize large property owners with long driveways, and (5) using some method other than aerial photography to determine impervious surface area. The Commission also noted that it felt that public awareness of the proposed program has not been extensive; that more public education is necessary after establishment of the program; that the Council should expect citizen abjection after fees notifications aze mailed to property owners; and drat the nature of the process appears to be creating a heavy-handed bureaucratic agency. Comment: The cap has been eliminated from the fee rate calculations as recommended. We intend to explore alternatives for issuing credits and/or exemptions in the first year of the program, and will consider the Commission's recommendations regarding affordable housing, innovative practices, and properties with long driveways. Transportation Board's Recommendation: The Transportation Board recommended that: (1) the minimum impervious surface that would be assessed a fee be 1500 square feet; (2) the cap be eliminated; and (3) the University be included in the assessment. Comment: We think that the minimum impervious surface area for consideration should be 200 square feet (e.g. a 12' x 14' paved patio) because it generates stormwater runoff that places a demand for service on the Town's drainage system.. The cap has been eliminated from the recommended program, and discussions regarding University participation are proposed in the first year of the program. Historic District Commission's Recommendations: The Historic District Commission does not recommend establishment of a stormwater utility. The Commission commented that: (I) it is unlikely that a utility would cause a builder to reduce the amount of impervious surface associated with a new home; (2) consideration of pervious to impervious surface area is not logical unless consideration is given to total land area as related to total impervious surface area; (3) the Town already does a good job of managing stormwater and a utility is not needed; (4) the overhead costs for a utility could be costly; and (5) the data presented does not substantiate the cost, Comment: We think that, in an urban area such as Chapel Hill, increased stormwater management http://townhall townofchapelhill org/agendas/ca040426/7-Stormwater%20LTtility%204-26- . 4/26/2004