The base rate is the monthly storm water management fee charged on a base unit, and is established by the Board of County Supervisors by resolution. For purposes of determining storm water management fees, all properties within the county are classified as developed residential property, developed non-residential property, or undeveloped property. Single family detached residential properties are charged the base rate for each dwelling unit, regardless of the size of the parcel or improvements. Townhouses, apartments and condominiums will be charged a flat rate of seventy-five percent of the base rate. The monthly fee for developed non-residential property is the base rate multiplied by the numerical factor obtained by dividing the total impervious area of the property by one base unit.
Undeveloped property is exempt from the fee.
Properties owned by federal, state, or local government agencies are also exempt when those agencies own and provide for maintenance of the storm water management system. Owners of agricultural croplands are not charged a fee. Agricultural properties are currently required to develop water quality plans and resource conservation plans in order to comply with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and the Farm Bill. Non-residential property owners are also eligible for fee adjustments by participating in pollution prevention or storm water quality protection programs. The maximum fee adjustment is limited to fifty percent of the fee.