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On this page, you will find frequently asked questions about your property’s stormwater billable area.
Frequently asked questions
What is stormwater billable area?
Stormwater billable area is the developed portion of a property that alters the process of stormwater naturally soaking into the ground. This includes rooftops, driveways, patios, and porous pavement. Environmental Services calculates your stormwater billable area by adding the total square footage of these surfaces on your property.
Single-family residential properties are then assigned billing categories (small, standard, or large) based on the measured amount of stormwater billable. The data used to measure stormwater billable area, as well as the category thresholds and property assignments, may be reviewed and updated periodically to support accuracy, fairness, and administrative efficiency.
*Where there are three or more individually metered single-family dwellings on one tax lot, the City will bill each dwelling 1,000 square feet per unit.
Why do we measure and use stormwater billable area for charging customers?
Stormwater billable areas (parking lots, driveways, patios, rooftops, etc.) have substantial impacts on our stormwater management system. Runoff from these surfaces carries pollution and doesn’t allow water to spread out and soak into the ground as it would if the area was undeveloped. To cover the cost of managing these impacts, Environmental Services charges customers based on the square footage of the stormwater billable area on their property.
Are overwater structures included as stormwater billable area?
No. Overwater structures, such as floating homes and docks, are not included as stormwater billable area.
Is the data used to measure my stormwater billable area accurate?
Statistical analysis of the data sources used by the city for determining stormwater billable area shows that assigned stormwater billable area categories (small, standard, and large) are generally accurate.
If you believe your property should be assigned to a different stormwater billable area category, you can request a change to your assigned category.
Once the City reviews any new information you provide, it is required to update your stormwater utility account. This means that if new information indicates you should be in a higher stormwater billable area category, your bill may increase.
How can I request a review of my SBA?
If you believe your property should be assigned to a different stormwater billable area category, you can request a change to your assigned category.
I’ve requested a review of my stormwater billable area. How will Environmental Services verify my measurements?
After a customer requests a review of their stormwater billable area, we use specialized aerial photography that has been processed to accurately measure distance, area, and shape on maps. This allows us to map specific areas using industry-standard software. We then adjust those mapped shapes based on additional information, such as photos of the property from our customers, permit details, or other available data.
What can be done to reduce my stormwater billable area charge?
Clean River Rewards offers up to a 35 percent discount on your stormwater charges. Customers who safely manage some or all of their property's stormwater runoff on their properties can register for a discount on their stormwater charges. Visit the Clean River Rewards webpage for details.
Financial assistance is also available for low-income households.
Why do I pay a stormwater charge when I manage all my property’s stormwater?
Stormwater billable area is not just used to determine the impact of stormwater on your private property; it is also used to estimate your proportional benefit of all stormwater management activities performed by the City.
Charging for stormwater billable area helps fund stormwater management services, including pollution control, infrastructure maintenance, and flood prevention, benefiting all Portland residents. Even if you manage stormwater on your property, 65 percent of the stormwater fee helps pay for the shared stormwater system we all rely on.
How can my neighbor's similarly sized house have such a different stormwater billable area measurement?
Stormwater billable area is based on developed surfaces, not interior square footage. Factors such as driveways, patios, garages, and walkways can significantly affect stormwater billable area, resulting in differences between properties of similar size.