Stormwater Utility Sections

The Stormwater Utility And Its Sections

The Public Works Department's Stormwater Utility Division administers the City of Raleigh's Stormwater Utility Program. Stormwater management is a state and federally mandated program requiring the City of Raleigh to reduce pollution in its waterways. The program is entirely funded by stormwater fees based on the total amount of impervious surface on residential and commercial properties located in the City of Raleigh. The most recognized impervious surface areas are the roof top of buildings, driveways, sidewalks and parking lots to name a few.

Raleigh City Council maintains budgetary control over the Stormwater Program. The Stormwater Management Advisory Commission (SMAC) provides guidance and policy recommendations to the City Council regarding stormwater related issues. The SMAC is comprised of 10 citizens who are appointed by the City Council. The Stormwater Utility Division staff carries out the directives and the policies of the SMAC and City Council. The Stormwater Utility Division is comprised of seven sections. Each section is responsible for specific tasks related to stormwater management.

Stormwater Utility Division Management Team

The Public Works Department's Stormwater Utility Division is overseen by one Division Head / Program Manager. The Stormwater Management Team is comprised of five supervisors, including the Division Head, who guide the division staff as they perform the duties related to their area.

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Stormwater Business Service Section

The Business Service Section is the primary point of contact for customers requesting stormwater information, posing drainage questions, requesting credits, and reporting drainage complaints. They administer the City's Drainage Assistance Policy which helps private property owners with issues involving structural flooding and severe erosion.

Information on the Stormwater Utility Rates

Stormwater Infrastructure Projects Section

The Infrastructure Projects Section analyzes, designs and oversees the construction of stormwater devices and structures identified in the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

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Stormwater Quality Section

The Stormwater Quality Section coordinates Raleigh's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase I program. The section focuses on water quality which includes collecting and analyzing surface water for contaminants, locating and eliminating illicit discharges, implementing engineering practices to improve the quality of stormwater runoff, and educating citizens on pollution.

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Stormwater Mapping Section

The Stormwater Mapping Section locates and maps stormwater structures in the City's 180 square mile jurisdiction. This section assists other City departments with maintenance of the City's public drainage system (typically located under public streets).

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Stormwater Engineering Section

The Engineering Section reviews plans for all development within the City of Raleigh for compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations. They also respond to inquiries from citizens, property owners, realtors, lenders and developers requesting determinations as to whether a specific property is affected by the Floodplain.

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Stormwater Inspections Section

The Stormwater Inspections Section enforces the City's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Flood Prone Area Regulations, Stormwater Control and Watercourse Buffer Regulations.

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