The stormwater rate system bills properties based on how much water they put into the stormwater system, as represented by impervious area. Impervious surfaces do not absorb water. Examples of impervious surfaces include roofs, pavement, sidewalks, patios, and gravel or crushed stone surfaces.
How is stormwater usage measured by impervious area?
A computer analysis of infrared photographs taken from the air is able to distinguish hard, impervious surfaces in contrast to areas that can absorb stormwater, such as lawns and gardens. An online map allows property owners to view this analysis. The computer program assigns the residential property into one of four billing tiers to more equitably distribute costs proportional to use instead of using a flat fee. Homes with larger impervious areas pay more. You can review your property's stormwater assessment online and, if desired, submit an appeal.
What are the current stormwater rates?
Single and two-family residential properties are placed in one of four rate tiers, depending on the square footage of impervious area.
| Tier # | Measured impervious area | Representative Impervious Area Midpoint of Tier listed on the Water Utilities Bill | Quarterly Charge* |
|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 2,187 square feet | 0.03706 acres
| $35.84
|
|---|
| Tier 2 | > 2,187 to 4,175 square feet | 0.06486 acres
| $62.71
|
|---|
| Tier 3 | > 4,175 to 7,110 square feet | 0.11117 acres | $107.49
|
|---|
| Tier 4 | > 7,110 square feet | 0.19456 acres | $188.14
|
|---|
*Plus a $4.40 customer service charge per quarter.
Commercial and other properties (e.g., multi-family, office, institutional, and industrial land uses) are billed directly on the impervious areas at a rate of $966.96 per acre per quarter, plus a $4.40 customer charge per quarter.
How do I view my stormwater calculation online?
- Link to your online stormwater calculation (impervious area and stormwater fee information) through mapAnnArbor.
- Type your address into the search bar in the upper right.
The property image will show the impervious area analysis for the property you have requested. This analysis has primarily been done with a computer, so some errors may have occurred. The following pervious materials might be interpreted by the computer as impervious:
- Wood chips
- Areas in shadows
- Decks with spaces between the boards with underlying pervious material
Please note that driveways are impervious regardless of the material, unless it is constructed with permeable pavers, permeable asphalt, or permeable concrete (these permeable system installations are rare).
How do I submit an appeal?
If you have reason to believe that the impervious area has been incorrectly identified, please take the following steps:
Save or print the online stormwater assessment
Identify the areas that have been incorrectly identified as impervious (contrasting pen or highlighter works best)
Email it to
[email protected] or mail the document to:
City of Ann Arbor – Stormwater
Box 8647
Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8647
We will review your revisions, and return the results of the analysis to you. Please remember that if you are a one or two-family residential property, you will need to reduce your impervious area by an amount sufficient to enter a lower tier. For example, if you are currently at 4,775 square feet, you will need to lower your impervious area by 600 square feet (to 4,175) in order to enter a lower tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stormwater_Rates_FAQs_7_2023.pdf (PDF)
Stormwater Utility Policy Documents
Stormwater Management on Residential Construction Projects
Did you know that a stormwater management plan is required for residential construction projects with 200+ sq. ft. of impervious surfaces? Visit the Residential Stormwater Code Requirements page for more information about the code changes and to download an impervious area worksheet that will help you determine if your project will require stormwater management as part of the grading permit application process.
If you are interested in receiving stormwater credits for your treatment measures visit the
Residential Stormwater Credits page to verify that your treatment measure will meet those minimum requirements before the design is complete and plans are submitted.
