Surprise staff advance draft Chapter 58 updates on sewer pretreatment, stormwater and turf rules

City staff presented draft updates to Chapter 58 of the municipal code on Oct. 7, 2025, proposing clearer requirements for sewer pretreatment devices, refinements to the stormwater utility code and a citywide water‑conservation provision that would prohibit certain "nonfunctional turf" in new development.

The presentation, led by staff members Mike Belay and Amy (staff), said the sewer pretreatment language will make explicit that commercial grease interceptors "are required to maintain it, and the city has the right to inspect the interceptors as well." Staff described the proposed change as a clarification of responsibility: the previous code was more passive about whose duty maintenance was.

On stormwater, staff said Article 6 edits are intended to align code wording with a decade of operating a stormwater utility, including which discharges are permitted to city‑owned basins, and the operation and maintenance responsibilities for basins on city versus private property. Staff also said the updated language clarifies billing for commercial and agricultural properties and allows discounts for commercial properties that implement best management practices.

Article 7 would add a definition of "nonfunctional turf" and prohibit its use in new development. Staff outlined five criteria that would qualify turf as nonfunctional: a single dimension of 8 feet or less; a shape ratio exceeding 4:1; turf inaccessible by a paved path or restricted by physical barriers; turf located closer than 10 feet to a street or fronting entry monuments; and turf not used for active recreation or drainage/erosion control. Staff emphasized the restriction would apply only to new development; existing entitlements such as Sterling Grove and Marley Park would remain subject to their existing approvals.

Council members asked for operational details. Councilman Judd asked about FOG ("fats, oils and greases"), and staff said that grease interceptors typically require cleaning about every 90 days per manufacturers’ recommendations and that sizing must match expected flow or grease loading. Amy said enforcement to date has been largely reactive and educational, but the city plans to fill a pretreatment compliance position to conduct routine inspections going forward.

On stormwater fees, staff acknowledged past concerns from commercial users who installed on‑site controls but still received stormwater bills; the proposed code adds a mechanism for discounts where best management practices or on‑site controls reduce city burden, while noting the utility also funds capital and roadway drainage O&M.

No formal action was taken on the ordinance package at the work session; staff said the amendments are draft, they will incorporate council feedback, and adoption is planned later this calendar year after additional review and a separate work session for a forthcoming high‑water‑user ordinance.

Ending: Staff requested feedback and said they will refine language with the city manager’s office and return with a final package for adoption later in 2025.