What is impervious area?

Impervious Area

Impervious area includes pavement and building areas such as driveways, parking areas, rooftops, patios, garages and out-structures. The amount of impervious area on a property directly correlates to its contribution of runoff volume and pollutant loading to the city’s storm water management system.

Impervious Surface

Impervious surface means those disturbed or hard surfaced areas that either prevent or retard the natural entry of water into the soil. Rooftops, buildings, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete, other paving, driveways, gravel, patios, artificial turf and storage areas are all examples of impervious surfaces. 

These improvements effect natural infiltration, creates more runoff, increases the rate of runoff and alters runoff patterns of stormwater that drains from an area.

Show All Answers

1. Who has to pay the Stormwater Utility fee?
2. Why are churches and schools being billed?
3. I have a retail store in a shopping center and currently receive a water bill. Will I get the stormwater bill as well?
4. What is an Equivalent Service Unit (ESU)?
5. What is impervious area?
6. What is considered residential unit?
7. How are residential fees determined?
8. Why should I pay if there is not storm water inlet in front of my property?
9. My property retains water, why should I pay?
10. What about my private stormwater management system?
11. Why do we not charge properties upstream (that discharge to the City)?
12. Why enact a storm water utility fee instead of raising property taxes?
13. Why is this issue being addressed at this time?
14. When will the Utility be started?
15. My storm water rate is incorrect, how do I get it changed?