STORMWATER FAQ's
Why is the city putting liens on properties?
According to a recent article in the Gazette, 4% of the 2007 invoice were unpaid; and 9% of the 2008 invoices were unpaid amounting to $2,449,705. (The average quarterly bill is $12.75.)
Also, according to the article, Mayor Lionel Rivera said ""I think it's only fair to those people who are paying their bills and paying their fair share of making sure the stormwater infrastructure is taken care of." "It's an obligation," he said. "It's an ordinance that was passed by the City Council, and I think everyone has an obligation to follow the law."
If delinquent property owners don't pay, the city will attach a lien on the property.
What if I buy a home and the stormwater bills have not been paid?
Under the code, Stormwater fees follow homes, not homeowners. This means if you buy a house and the owner before you didn't pay their fees, you could end up being responsible for their bills. As an example, if you buy a foreclosure home in Colorado Springs and the previous owner didn't pay, you could be responsible for paying the back stormwater fees.
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is rain or snow that falls on streets, parking areas, rooftops and other developed land and either flows directly into nearby streams or travels there through drainage systems, such as curbs and 
gutters, inlets, storm sewers, detention ponds and channels. The flows are then discharged, untreated, into major drainage ways in the area, such as Fountain and Monument Creeks.
Stormwater is a main source of water flow to the watershed. A watershed is the area of land that drains to a particular point along a stream.
Who owns the Stormwater Enterprise in Colorado Springs?
It's a city owned business.
How often are fees billed?
Fees are billed quarterly.
How are the fees calculated?
They are based on the type of property (residential, commercial or nonprofit); the amount of impervious surface (area that does not allow water to penetrate, such as rooftops, driveways and patios); and the density (percentage of impervious vs. pervious) on their property.
What is the money used for?
Much of the money collected is used to construct and improve drainage.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
719-385-5913 stormwaterenterprise@springsgov.com
Can I keep the rainwater that falls on my property?
According to the information on the Springs Government page, the answer to this is NO. If for you want more information about this question, go to the web site.
Other musings .......
At one time, Colorado Springs was the largest municipality in the state without a stormwater enterprise. Cities with stormwater enterprises include Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Castle Rock, Denver, Fort Collins, Golden, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Loveland, Parker, Pueblo, Westminster and Woodland Park. Some have been in existence for more than 20 years.
If you enjoyed reading this article, why not Subscribe to be notified of the next one?
Original article was posted at: Colorado Springs stormwater is once again controversial
Must Read Posts:
A Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent You Can Trust
Selling HOMES in El Paso & Douglas County; including Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake, Woodland Park
www.Kathytorline.com & www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com
Colorado Springs Real Estate
Posted by KAT
;)
;)
