Stormwater

lake pond

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rainwater that washes through our property and streets, carrying any debris in its path. This mixture of rain, debris, and oil is known as stormwater "runoff." If runoff is not properly managed, it can lead to flooding and/or pollution of our water bodies.

Stormwater assessment information

The City’s stormwater assessment funds our entire drainage system — including pipes, ponds, pump stations, and canals — which prevents flooding and protects water quality. The City is proposing a $6 annual increase — which equates to an additional 50 cents a month — to support five major projects aimed at reducing flooding and improving stormwater flow in areas impacted in recent years. These projects will also enhance water quality, make the city safer during storms, and may help lower homeowners’ insurance costs. The annual assessment is $189, a $6 increase from this year's assessment of $183.

This assessment will help pay for these five significant projects:

  • The Oak Hammock Watershed Improvements Project will address drainage in areas that have experienced flooding in recent years. This project will focus on the large area east of I-95, north of South Florida Water Management C-23 Canal/ Port St. Lucie Boulevard and west of the Florida Turnpike.
  • The Hopen Slough Stormwater Treatment area is located north of Walton Road and west of Lennard Road. The project will treat and move stormwater from areas like Savanna Preserve State Park, Savannah Club and Spanish Lakes Golf Village.
  • The Elkcam Basin Improvements Project will help reduce flooding risks by improving water flow through the Elkcam Waterway, while also improving water quality in the area south of Crosstown Parkway, east of Bayshore, north of Port St. Lucie Boulevard and west of the St. Lucie River.
  • The E-8 Canal Project will rework the canal and reinforce its banks, allowing for better drainage in an area south of Import Drive and north of Gatlin Boulevard that is west of I-95.
  • Accelerating swale and culvert replacements.

Stormwater assessment FAQs

Why did I receive an assessment notice in the mail?

These notices are required by state law.

What is a non-ad valorem assessment?

Non-ad valorem assessments are fees for specific services, such as stormwater and solid waste. The amount you pay is not based on your property's value. However, it is billed separately on your property tax bill. 

Do I need to respond to this notice or appear at the Public Hearing?

No. This notice is required to provide information.

What services are funded by this assessment?

The stormwater fee pays for the City’s drainage systems to prevent flooding and protect water quality. This comprehensive program includes pipes, pump stations, ponds and canals. In addition to the five major projects listed in the summary, a portion also covers oversight of the swale liner and driveway culvert programs.

Are these new assessments?

No. This is an existing annual assessment for stormwater services

If this is “Not a Bill” then when is the assessment billed?

Assessments will be billed via your property tax bill.

Why did my assessment change from last year?

The assessment for ongoing services may vary annually based on operating and maintenance costs.

Also, if a residential property was previously undeveloped but is now developed, the rate will increase.

Why is there a “not to exceed” dollar amount on my notice for $219?

You will not receive a paper notice in the mail until the proposed assessment exceeds $219. Any further increases must be approved by the City Council at a public hearing. 

 

 

 

 

The City's stormwater system is comprised of 200 miles of canals, 1,200 miles of swales, over 180 control structures, over 6,000 culverts, 1,460 acres of lakes and ponds, and three pump stations.

Did you know?

The City of Port St. Lucie is working to reduce and often eliminate flooding, while also preventing pollution from elements picked up by stormwater runoff. For more information, visit our National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) webpage.

Swale maintenance and the maintenance of driveway culverts are the landowner’s responsibility. Property owners must maintain the portion of the street/road right-of-way from the edge of the pavement to their property line. (Code Ordinance Sec. 41.08)

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