Council gives city administrator limited authority to grant larger stormwater fee credits

Springville City Council approved an amendment to city code allowing the city administrator limited discretion to award additional stormwater‑fee credits for properties that exceed state stormwater standards or that provide on‑site measures that reduce downstream stormwater costs.

Staff said the current code allows up to a 35% reduction in an impervious‑surface stormwater fee for qualifying properties. The proposed change adds an administrative step allowing the city administrator to lift the credit up to an additional 30% in particular cases and creates a clearer internal appeal process for property owners seeking larger reductions.

Public works staff explained the rationale: the existing 35% floor reflects historical code drafting and administrative costs associated with the program, but staff had encountered individual cases where higher reductions would better reflect on‑site stormwater retention or mitigation work. The additional administrator authority is not automatic; staff said the administrator would evaluate evidence of on‑site retention and may grant a lower or higher percentage up to the proposed limit.

Council members asked about the basis for the percentages and whether reductions could reach 90–100%. Staff replied the percentages are policy choices to balance fairness and administrative cost recovery and that the city could revise the ceiling if future conditions warranted it.

A motion to adopt Ordinance 09‑2022 (amending code to permit administrator authority for fee credits) was seconded, taken by roll call and approved.