Lafayette council adopts meter-size system development charge for sewer

The Lafayette City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2026-17 on second reading to replace the current acreage-based sewer cost-recovery charge with a meter-size-based system development charge (SDC).

Council members heard that the change aligns the sewer fee structure with a prior water utility rate case and is intended to make fees more transparent and easier for developers and city staff to administer. A presenter said the SDC bases charges on meter size rather than geography; a new single-family lot would face a combined water-and-sewer charge the presenter described as $2,580 under the proposed schedules.

Council held no public comment on the ordinance and approved it by roll call, 7-0.

The ordinance moves Lafayettefrom a parcel/acreage cost-recovery model to a meter-size SDC, shifting the basis for capacity-related fees. Council did not modify the proposed schedules during the meeting; staff said they would respond to any technical questions raised by developers after adoption.

What happens next: With second-reading approval at this meeting, the ordinance will take effect according to its published effective date in the final ordinance and be incorporated into utility billing and permit processes. Council members who asked procedural questions were told staff would follow up on administrative details and provide implementation guidance to permit applicants.