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1. What is stormwater?

Stormwater is surface water that flows across the land into creeks, rivers, and lakes. The stormwater in Frisco flows to water supply lakes in which is used for 5.8 million people. The purpose of the stormwater program is to reduce the pollutants to the maximum extent practicable.

2. How do I report stormwater pollution?

For emergencies such as an immediate threat to the public please call 911. For all other please call the stormwater hot line at 972-292-5800.

3. How can grass and leaves be a pollutant since they are found in nature?

The problem is improper the disposal of yard waste which gets washed into the creeks. This can increase nutrient levels that encourage algae growth and also decrease oxygen levels. Both decrease the water quality.

4. What is a stormwater utility fee?

It is the monthly fee to pay for the cost for complaince with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. This requires communities to reduce stormwater pollution to the maximum extent practicable. The stormwater utility fee covers the costs of staff, equipment, regulatory fees, and public education efforts as part of the City of Frisco’s Stormwater Management Program.

5. Why is Frisco charging a stormwater fee?

The purpose of the fee is to pay for the unfunded mandate as a result of the TCEQ issuing a permit to discharge stormwater. This requires communities to implement best management practices to reduce stormwater pollution to the maximum extent practicable. TCEQ issued the permit in response to a federal requirement that affects municipalities nationwide.

6. How much are the fees?

The fee schedule is based on the amount of impervious area on a property.

7. What does the stormwater fee pay for?

The Stormwater Utility Fee is used to pay for the programs developed to comply with the 6 minimum control measures required by the TCEQ permit. These are:

• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Pollution Prevention and Good House-Keeping
• Post Construction Stormwater Management
• Public Education
• Public Involvement and Participation

8. What does impervious mean?

Impervious is defined as a surface that does not absorb water. Several examples of impervious areas include asphalt or concrete pavement, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and buildings.

9. How does the city know the impervious area of a property?

For non-residential property, city staff determined impervious areas from Geographical Information System (GIS) data. Single-family property was determined by averaging the impervious area on approximately 20,000 properties. From this, 3 tiers of lot size were developed with the appropriate rate.

10. What do I do if I think the impervious area calculated by the city is incorrect?

A customer may provide additional information for their property, including a survey or site plan showing the buildings and parking lot. Print out an appeal form to submit with your documentation. City staff will review the information against the aerials used to calculate the impervious areas.

11. My fee seems too high. What can I do?

If you feel your bill is incorrect, you can fill out an appeal form. City staff will review and provide you with a credit for any (applicable) overcharges that your account has incurred.

12. Who administers the Stormwater Program and the stormwater fee?

The fee is billed and collected through the City of Frisco Utility Billing Division. The stormwater program is administered by the Public Works Department. For additional information about stormwater management, please contact Public Works at 972-292-5800. For billing questions, please call Utility Billing at 972-292-5575.