FAQs • Ithaca, NY • CivicEngage

Are tax-exempt properties also exempt from the stormwater user fee?: No. Tax-exempt property owners pay the stormwater user fee, just as they already pay fees for water and sewer service, trash collection, and electricity. All developed land in the City, whether public or private, is billed based on the amount of impervious surface area on the property, including property owned by the City.

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Stormwater Billing Questions

1. How are stormwater user fee bills issued?: The stormwater user fee is billed on a quarterly basis. If your property has only one associated water and sewer account, the stormwater user fee will be included on that bill. Owners of all other properties will be issued a separate stormwater user fee bill. The bill can be redirected to a third-party (with that third-party’s consent) by submitting a form to the City Chamberlain. The form is available in the City Chamberlain’s office on the first floor of City Hall.

2. Are tax-exempt properties also exempt from the stormwater user fee?: No. Tax-exempt property owners pay the stormwater user fee, just as they already pay fees for water and sewer service, trash collection, and electricity. All developed land in the City, whether public or private, is billed based on the amount of impervious surface area on the property, including property owned by the City.

3. What if I think my bill is wrong?: If you think the calculation of impervious surface area on your property is incorrect, see here.
If you think your bill is wrong due to an error in the calculation of the dollar amount of the fee, you can contact the Superintendent of Public Works for an explanation at (607) 274-6527.

4. What services do I get from paying a stormwater user fee?: The money raised through the stormwater user fee is placed in a separate account from other City funds, and is used only to pay for stormwater services, including:
• Improved control and conveyance of stormwater, resulting in reduced flooding
• Operating, constructing, improving, cleaning, and maintaining the City’s stormwater system
• Regulating, reviewing, and inspecting private stormwater infrastructure
• Performing planning and mapping tasks related to stormwater
• Monitoring, removing, and regulating stormwater pollutants
• Educating residents about stormwater pollution
• Performing activities described in the City’s stormwater system permit
• Paying for debt principal and debt service related to these activities