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Council repeals local surface‑water billing ordinance and approves modest code clarifications
Summary
Following state legislative uncertainty about stormwater billing, the council repealed Laramie Municipal Code Chapter 13.80 and approved technical amendments to Titles 8 and 15 to clarify appeals, setbacks and the Unified Development Code; councilors said staff will return with a funding plan for stormwater maintenance.
On March 17 the Laramie City Council repealed, on second reading, the local ordinance that established a service‑water management billing framework (Laramie Municipal Code Chapter 13.80) and approved two separate code amendments clarifying appeals and development‑code language.
Staff told council that Senate File 116 in the Wyoming Legislature — which could make local stormwater billing frameworks difficult to implement if enacted as originally introduced — prompted a recommendation to repeal the local billing ordinance and re‑examine funding approaches. The director overseeing surface‑water matters said the repeal would eliminate the billing and regulatory framework but staff will continue stormwater maintenance work funded through the general fund and a previously authorized allocation (cited at approximately $5 million for enhanced maintenance and related work).
The council also approved minor, procedural changes to Title 8 (appeals body clarification) and Title 15 (Unified Development Code) addressing home‑occupation language, setbacks, townhouse standards, final planned‑unit development procedures and trash‑enclosure construction details. Planning staff said those amendments are routine clarifications of existing practice and were recommended by the Planning Commission.
Speakers from the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance and other local business representatives urged the repeal so staff and the community can craft a predictable, manageable fee structure that will not unduly burden local businesses. After public comment, the council approved the repeal and the two code amendments by roll call (each passed with eight yes votes, zero nos, and one absence).
Staff said they will bring budget and program proposals to work sessions in April and May to define a new stormwater funding and maintenance approach.
