Margate, FL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 34, the Stormwater Management Utility chapter, applies to all lands within the city. Under Section 34-3 the fee is imposed on all developed property for services and facilities of the stormwater management system, and the property owner is responsible for payment. Each year the city manager obtains a list from the county property appraiser and classifies each parcel as residential or nonresidential developed property. Section 34-2 sets the equivalent residential unit (ERU) at 2,328 impervious square feet within the Cocomar Water Control District and 2,382 impervious square feet in the rest of the city.

Impervious area includes roofs, roof extensions, slabs, patios, porches, driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, athletic courts and roadways. Under Section 34-4 a residential fee is the ERU rate times the number of dwelling units, and a nonresidential fee is the ERU rate times the parcel's impervious area divided by the ERU square footage. The dollar rate is adopted by separate ordinance. Billing is monthly under Section 34-5. A tenant can be billed at the owner's written request, but the owner stays liable. A fee unpaid for 90 days becomes a lien recorded by the city attorney.

Owners not served by city water and sewer pay a deposit equal to one year of fees. Section 34-6 lets an owner, tenant or occupant file a written adjustment request with the city manager, who answers within 90 days. Relief reaches back no more than one year. A denial can be taken to the city commission within 30 days, the commission decides within 60 days, and circuit court appeal must be filed within 30 days after that decision. Section 34-7 restricts fee revenue to the stormwater management utility fund for operation, maintenance, permit review, planning and debt service on capital improvements.