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1. What is a stormwater utility fee?

The stormwater utility fee is used for construction, maintenance and operation of stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects throughout the City of Daytona Beach service area.

2. How is the stormwater fee calculated?

The City of Daytona Beach currently (FY 2015 / 2016) charges $9.38 per month stormwater fee for each residential unit and is reflected on the monthly utility bill of City residents.

Business accounts are based on square footage of impervious surface (buildings, parking lots, etc.) Every 1,661 square feet is equivalent to one residential fee.

This fee increases yearly with the United States Utility Consumer Price Index (CPI) on October 1.

3. There aren’t any storm drains or canals anywhere near my property. Do I have to pay this fee?

Anyone who owns developed property in the city limits pays a stormwater fee. This includes all state, county, city and school facilities, as well as churches. There are no exemptions.

4. How often are storm inlets cleaned?

Storm inlets are cleaned on a periodic basis across the community as conditions and seasons dictate. They are also cleaned on a per-call basis when backups or problems are reported by our residents.

5. What can I do to help prevent flooding in my area?

• Do not throw or dump anything into storm sewers or ditches within the city. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug pipes, inlets and conveyance channels. A plugged conveyance system will not carry water and when it rains; clogged storm drains will cause water to back up into the street and may cause structure flooding in a large event. Every piece of trash, including cigarette and cigar butts, contributes to localize flooding and pollutes waterways.
• Keep stormwater inlets near your property clear of trash and debris. Rake pine needles and leaves away from your street stormwater grate. Don’t stack garbage or yard debris on a storm water inlet. This allows water to flow into the system as it was designed to do. Don’t blow grass clippings or leaves into the street and sweep up any clippings or leaves or blow them back onto your lawn. They can clog up the stormwater system and cause flooding.
• If your property is next to a ditch, help keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The city has a Ditch Maintenance Program, which can help remove major blockages such as downed trees.
• The city of routinely cleans the 55 small and 81 large ditches within the city limits. While heavy rains, stormwater runoff and illegal dumping can quickly undo the work of cleaning crews, the city attempts to keep all canals free flowing at all times. To report illegal dumping into the city's ditches, call our 24-hour dispatch at (386) 671-8815.

6. What can I do to help prevent flooding around my home?

• Make sure the ground slopes away from your home. Land within ten feet of your home should slope away from your house. This ensures your home has a good chance of not being damaged due to localized flooding.
• Direct gutters away from your home and into landscape areas. If you don’t have gutters, consider installing them to alleviate localized yard flooding.
• If you are in a flood prone area, you may consider purchasing flood insurance.

The City of Daytona Beach is not responsible for flooding on private property. For more information, please refer to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps page or call utilities engineering at (384) 671-8807 for a flood zone determination.

If a neighbor has directed drainage onto your property, you should ask the property owner to correct the situation. However, it's important to recognize the prevailing drainage patterns. If you are directly downhill, then your neighbor may not have many options. The best solution may involve working together to direct drainage in a way that minimizes adverse impacts.

If the property owner refuses to correct a situation causing drainage damage on your property, your next course of action could be a civil suit. If you have damages, the property owner may be held responsible. The city does not regulate grading on single-family residential properties unless the area is in a drainage easement.