Columbus, OH Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Rate
- $0.1754/day per ERU
- 1 ERU equals
- 2,000 sq ft impervious area
- Residential properties
- flat 1 ERU charge
- Late payment penalty
- 10% added after 28 days
- Unpaid 90+ days
- becomes a lien on property
Summary
Every lot and parcel in Columbus pays a stormwater service charge based on impervious area, billed with a flat 1-ERU rate for residential properties.
For any such property, lot, parcel of land, building or premises that is tributary directly or indirectly to the stormwater system of the city, such charge shall be based upon the quantity of impervious area situated thereon.
(a)All properties having impervious area within the city will be assigned an equivalent residential unit (ERU), or a multiple thereof, with all properties having impervious area receiving at least one (1) ERU.(1)Residential properties. All residential properties will be assigned one (1) ERU. A flat rate will apply to all residential properties.(2)Non-residential properties. Non-residential properties will be assigned an ERU multiple based upon the properties' individually measured impervious area (in square feet) divided by two thousand (2,000) square feet (one (1) ERU). This division will be calculated to the first decimal place and rounded according to mathematical convention.(b)The charge as prescribed in the rate schedule is as follows: .1754 per day per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Columbus City Codes § 1149.05 imposes a stormwater service charge on every lot and parcel in the city, tied to impervious surface area rather than water use. Section 1149.08 sets the rate at $0.1754 per day per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), where one ERU equals 2,000 square feet of impervious area. Residential properties automatically get a flat 1 ERU; non-residential properties are billed per measured impervious area divided into ERU multiples. The Department of Public Utilities bills monthly or quarterly under § 1149.07.
Violations & Fines
Bills unpaid within 28 days jump to a gross rate: the net rate plus 10 percent, per § 1149.07. Charges unpaid after 90 days become a lien certified to the county auditor and collected with property taxes, per § 1149.11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Columbus property owner pay this fee?
How is a residential stormwater bill calculated?
Can I dispute my ERU assignment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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