Orange County Stormwater Utility

Overview

Orange county is experiencing tremendous pressure from rainfall and stormwater runoff into our lakes, rivers, and springs within our communities.  There are many older communities that do not have adequate stormwater capacity or treatment that add to that pressure.  Finding a solution to fund improvements for both water quality and water quantity will benefit generations to come.

Orange County is currently evaluating the need for a Stormwater Utility to help alleviate the pressures on the stormwater system and our natural water bodies. An ongoing study is underway and comprised of three phases:

• Phase 1: Completed
  Reviewed the current stormwater program, future Level of Service needs, preliminary impervious surface data, possible rate methodology, and funding options.
• Phase 2: Underway
  Includes community outreach, public meetings, final review of impervious surface data, development of a credit policy, residential rate tiers, and Board of County Commissioners work sessions.
• Phase 3: Implementation (TBD)
  Could include ordinance revisions, public hearings, final billing file development, rate structure adoption, and procedures for implementation.

Rate Tiering

The rate will be based on the square footage of impervious area on a parcel based on the residential median square footage.Impervious areas do not allow rainwater to seep into soil and thus contribute to runoff into the county’s stormwater system.

Credits

Stormwater Utilities typically have a credit policy for actions that lessen the discharge to the receiving stormwater collection system.

• Reduced runoff or increased infiltration on site
• Green stormwater practices
• Municipal Separate Taxing or Benefit Unit (MSTU/BU) - Some residents in the county have elected to pay additional taxes to fund specific maintenance or improvements for their retention ponds or natural waterbodies.

Ordinance 96-20

Orange County adopted a Stormwater Utility ordinance in 1996 to fund the operation and maintenance of the stormwater system.The fee was set at $0 at that time and has not been adjusted.

Timeline

• May 5, 2026: BCC Discussion
  Update on progress and guidance on moving forward and community outreach
• May - June 2026: Community Outreach
  Solicit feedback on rate, tiering, credit policy and funding
• June 2026: BCC Work Session
  Report on Phase 2 and seek direction on rate, tiers, credits and implementation (Phase 3)
• September - October 2026: Work Session & Public Hearing
  Phase 3 - Adopt ordinance revisions and resolution directing rate collection. Decision on rate, tiers, credits
• March 2027: BCC Update
  Update on work for new Board members and TRIM notices for August