Drainage Utility Charge

A new Drainage Utility Charge took effect July 1, 2011 to help pay for drainage and street projects with a drainage component. The charge is based on the actual impact a property has on drainage infrastructure. It is determined by calculating the property's impervious surface. Eight of the ten largest Texas Cities have drainage charges, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth, Lubbock, and Abilene. The Drainage Utility Ordinance (No. 2011-254) states that the Utility Charge will not be increased for a minimum of ten years.
 

DRAINAGE UTILITY CHARGE DEVELOPER IMPACT FEE AD VALOREM TAXES
(Property Taxes)		 THIRD-PARTY FUNDS
(Metro, TxDOT, Federal Grants)
To be used for: To be used for: To be used for: To be used for:
  • Drainage projects
  • Street projects that include drainage improvements
  • Operation & Maintenance for drainage infrastructure (ditch cleaning, re-grading etc.)
  • Expenses for administering the drainage charge
  • Drainage projects providing capacity to offset future development
  • Street projects providing added capacity for future development
  • Street projects with or without drainage improvements
  • Drainage projects
  • Traffic signalization projects
  • Sidewalk projects
  • Operation & Maintenance for streets, traffic & drainage
  • Street projects
  • Drainage projects
  • Operation & Maintenance for streets & traffic
  • Sidewalk projects
  • Hike & Bike Trails
  • Traffic signalization projects
  • Additional Uses