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1. Where can I find information on the Stormwater Master Plan? How can I provide input to this study?

Visit the Community Development front desk at City Hall, which is located at:

211 W. Aspen Ave.

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

2. What is Low Impact Development?

Low Impact Development (LID) is an ecologically friendly approach to site development and stormwater management that aims to mitigate development impacts to land, water, and air. This approach emphasizes stormwater management at the source, using small, cost-effective landscape features located at the lot level. The goal is to conserve natural systems and hydrologic functions on a site through the integration of site design and planning techniques.

3. Do I still have to provide stormwater detention if I’m using LID to reduce runoff?

Yes. However, if the LID components are sized to manage the runoff from the full one inch of rain, the requirement for detention of the two-year storm is waived.

4. How can I apply to receive a utility fee credit for certain measures?

The typical residential credit is approximately 10% of the monthly stormwater fee. Please view our Stormwater Credit Manual for qualification and application details. Stormwater Credit Manual

5. What do stormwater staff members do?

The stormwater staff members perform a variety of regulatory compliance functions. We are also responsible for the Stormwater Master Plan and the Drainage Improvement Program (DrIP). We also conduct construction inspections and site plan reviews.

6. How are stormwater funds used?

Money collected from the stormwater fees is dedicated only to stormwater and cannot be used for anything else. The appropriate distribution of funds includes complying with federal water quality regulations as well as maintaining channels, structures, pipes, and other elements of the storm drainage system.

7. When did the stormwater utility fee go in to effect?

By Ordinance Section 12-02-002-0001, the stormwater utility fee became effective July 1, 2003. The stormwater fee is billed as part of the City of Flagstaff Municipal Services bill.

8. What is an impervious surface?

Impervious surfaces are those areas within developed land that prevent or significantly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater into the soil. Common impervious surfaces include:

• Asphalt streets
• Brick or concrete pavers
• Buildings
• Compacted gravel surfaces
• Decks
• Driveways
• Parking areas
• Patios
• Rooftops
• Sidewalks

9. How is the amount of impervious area calculated?

The impervious area of properties is determined by using aerial photographs and information in the city’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) along with parcel lines from the county assessor's office.

10. How can I determine how much my stormwater utility fee will cost each month?

Effective July 1, 2019, the average Flagstaff residential property will pay $7.48 per month for stormwater fees. This is based on a billable area of between 3,001 and 4,500 square feet of impervious surface. 

11. If the runoff on my property goes directly into the ground and does not affect the city's stormwater system, why do I have to pay?

The stormwater fee and the impervious area calculation are a mechanism for equitably distributing the cost of the stormwater system maintenance and the need to comply with the federal mandate among all of the residents of Flagstaff who, in some way, use and contribute to the stormwater system and stormwater runoff.

12. What is an ERU?

ERU stands for Equivalent Rate Unit. It is calculated by the number of square feet of impervious surface on your property. This is then divided by 1,500 square feet to come up with an ERU. 1,500 square feet was determined to be the most equitable basis of distribution.

13. Do gravel driveways count as impervious areas?

Yes, compacted surface is used in determining impervious area.

14. Are city sidewalks included in the impervious area calculation for my property?

Sidewalks that are contained exclusively within your property boundaries are included in your utility fee calculation. Public sidewalks are not.

15. Where can I learn more about Stormwater management, rates and credits?

Please visit: https://flagstaff.az.gov/3626/Stormwater