The Anne Arundel County Council is dealing with the imposition of
a state mandate requiring them to establish a program and fees for
implementing stormwater management programs for "impervious surfaces"
beginning July 1, 2013. No one disputes the need to help preserve one of
our greatest assets, the Chesapeake Bay.
Anne Arundel County identified needed projects totaling $894 million, and the fee structure being proposed by the county would apply to both residential and non-residential properties. Much has been written about the residential rates being $34 for a townhouse or condo, $85 for a single family home, and $170 for agricultural and larger residential properties.
However, virtually nothing has been written about the
impact this impervious surface fee -- currently proposed at $1,323 per
"impervious" acre -- will mean to non-residential properties, including
businesses, churches, non-public schools, non-profits and even the
common areas and parking lots for homeowners' associations, etc.
The first test is this: As a property owner, how much impervious surface is on your property? Second test: How would you find out? Third test: What would your total fee be? Every property owner should be informed - in advance of any fee imposition - as to his/her total impervious surface area.
Having used the Geographic Information System tool on the county website, I can safely say that a majority of non-residential property owners will be shocked to have a bill for $3K, $5K, $30K or more than $100,000 come July 1, 2013. And, these will likely come in the middle of a fiscal year, with no time to plan for the impact.
Let's not be impervious to reason or transparency. Every non-residential property owner should have the impervious surface number now, so they are informed and prepared to assess the potential impact.
Anne Arundel County identified needed projects totaling $894 million, and the fee structure being proposed by the county would apply to both residential and non-residential properties. Much has been written about the residential rates being $34 for a townhouse or condo, $85 for a single family home, and $170 for agricultural and larger residential properties.
The first test is this: As a property owner, how much impervious surface is on your property? Second test: How would you find out? Third test: What would your total fee be? Every property owner should be informed - in advance of any fee imposition - as to his/her total impervious surface area.
Having used the Geographic Information System tool on the county website, I can safely say that a majority of non-residential property owners will be shocked to have a bill for $3K, $5K, $30K or more than $100,000 come July 1, 2013. And, these will likely come in the middle of a fiscal year, with no time to plan for the impact.
Let's not be impervious to reason or transparency. Every non-residential property owner should have the impervious surface number now, so they are informed and prepared to assess the potential impact.
H. WALTER TOWNSHEND
President & CEO
Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber
Laurel
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