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Philomath adopts revised stormwater SDC methodology, switching to square‑footage basis
Summary
After a public hearing with no public testimony, the Philomath City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2605 to calculate stormwater system development charges by impervious square footage (including separate reimbursement and improvement components and a 1% administration fee); new method applies to permits issued after adoption.
The Philomath City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2605 on March 9 after a staff presentation and no public testimony, changing the stormwater system development charge (SDC) methodology from an equivalent‑dwelling‑unit approach to a per‑square‑foot calculation of impervious surface.
City planner/staff explained the new methodology divides the fee into an improvement portion (for future capital projects) and a reimbursement portion (crediting existing infrastructure capacity), and includes a 1% administration charge. Under the new approach, SDCs will be calculated by an impervious square‑foot rate (approximately $0.989 per square foot as presented) so that larger footprints pay proportionally more than smaller footprints.
Staff emphasized that permits submitted before adoption will be billed under the prior method and that, if adopted, the new methodology would take effect for new building permits immediately. The council thanked staff and adopted the resolution by unanimous voice vote.
Why it matters: the change aligns charges more closely with expected stormwater impacts by basing fees on measured impervious area rather than fixed unit assumptions, and creates separate tracking for reimbursement versus improvement funds.
Next steps: Finance and development staff will implement billing changes for permit intake and reflect the new methodology in fee schedules and public materials.
