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Vero Beach council adopts STEP ordinance and approves two special-assessment liens
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Summary
The council adopted an ordinance to incentivize septic tank effluent pump (STEP) systems, amended water/sewer rate structure language, and approved two resolutions establishing $5,400 special-assessment liens for properties receiving STEP systems.
The City of Vero Beach City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance creating code sections to provide incentives for septic tank effluent pump (STEP) systems and amending the existing water and sewer rate structure to address STEP installations.
Councilmembers voted 5–0 to approve the ordinance after a brief presentation and no public opposition was recorded. The ordinance includes a business impact statement, conflict and severability language, and codification clauses.
Following the ordinance, council approved two resolutions establishing special-assessment liens of $5,400 each for separate properties to cover STEP system costs: one for 906 Shore Drive and a second for 945 26th Street. Both resolutions passed on roll call with unanimous support. Staff explained the assessments will secure repayment for the equipment and installation tied to the STEP program.
The council also approved related FDOT grant actions earlier in the meeting, including an amendment for the terminal parking project and a taxiway rehabilitation grant; staff said those actions support airport capital improvements and do not directly fund the STEP program.
Councilors said the STEP ordinance provides a tool to move homeowners off septic systems and toward sewer or STEP-based solutions, and the special-assessment mechanism creates a way to recover installation costs when necessary. The ordinance takes effect per the codified effective date in the legislation.
