Public Comment is Requested on Proposed Rules Governing System Development Charges

Public Notice

Environmental Services is proposing an update to Administrative Rules ENB-4.05 that govern sewer and stormwater system development charges (SDCs). This update seeks to create clarity and consistency for staff and the community through an updated SDC methodology and removal of obsolete information.

Published

June 15, 2020 10:00 am

Current rule ENB-4.05 has not been substantively updated in more than 15 years. Updates in 2019 were part of a larger effort related to administrative review. Over the past 15 years, the types of development subject to sewer and stormwater SDCs have changed significantly.

The proposed rule revision:

Seeks to make the current rules relating to the application of the development-related sewer SDC calculation methodology consistent with staff practice.
Advances Environmental Services goals to improve business systems and strengthen community relations by clarifying how sanitary sewer and stormwater SDCs are calculated to ensure consistent and equitable application to development.
Ensures consistency between the written rules and implementation of the rules, promoting transparency and clarity, and potentially reducing requests for Administrative Review.

The most significant elements of the proposal include specifying Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) and Plumbing Fixture Units (PFUs) per EDU for several residential and nonresidential occupancy types. The goal of the proposed revisions is to ensure consistent sewer and stormwater SDC calculations for certain development not previously addressed in rule.

How can I learn more?

The proposed ENB-4.05 rule and a fact sheet summarizing the changes are available at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/ENB4-05. Environmental Services will hold a public hearing by request only on Monday, July 6, 2020 from 6- 7 p.m. via Skype. Environmental Services will cancel the tentative hearing if it receives no request by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020, and will post a cancellation notice at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/ENB4-05. To request a public hearing, please email sherri.peterson@portlandoregon.gov.

How can I comment?

Environmental Services will accept public comment on the proposed rule from 8 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2020 through 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Send comments by email to Sherri Peterson at sherri.peterson@portlandoregon.gov.

Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2020.