Topeka, KS Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee scope
- Every developed parcel, citywide
- Rate basis
- ERU rate
- Late fee
- 5%/month, capped at 25%
- Nonpayment remedy
- Becomes a lien on property
- Administered by
- City Utilities Director
Summary
Every developed property in Topeka pays a monthly stormwater drainage fee based on impervious area and dwelling units, funding the city's stormwater utility, which reviews development plans and enforces water quality standards under Chapter 13.25 TMC.
Subject to the provisions of this chapter, there is hereby imposed on each and every residential developed property and nonresidential developed property, other than exempt property, and the owners and nonowner users thereof, a stormwater drainage fee. In the event the owner and nonowner users of a particular developed property are not the same, the liability for each owner and nonowner user for the drainage fee attributable to that developed property shall be joint and several. The drainage fee shall be a monthly service charge and shall be determined by the provisions of this chapter and the ERU and ERU rate. (Ord. 19496 § 121, 12-21-10; Ord. 17059 § 18(A), 12-17-96. Code 1995 § 146-396. Formerly 14.85.060.)
13.25.060 Fee for residential developed property.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20671, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Topeka funds its stormwater management program through a mandatory monthly drainage fee on every developed parcel inside city limits, set by the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) rate multiplied by dwelling units for residential property or impervious square footage for nonresidential property (TMC 13.25.050, 13.25.060, 13.25.070). The Utilities Director administers the utility, reviews development plans for compliance with the city's stormwater management codes, and enforces water quality standards under the federal Clean Water Act's NPDES permit program (TMC 13.25.010, 13.25.030).
Violations & Fines
Unpaid drainage fees draw a 5% monthly late charge, capped at 25%, and unpaid balances become a lien on the property collectible by the City, plus attorney fees (TMC 13.25.100).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every property in Topeka pay the stormwater fee?
What happens if the Topeka stormwater fee goes unpaid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
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