Stormwater Management

The City of Burlington established a dedicated stormwater program in 2009 in an effort to address the state and federal stormwater permit requirements. This program collects stormwater user fees from property owners in Burlington which are used to fund efforts to meet or exceed specific compliance requirements in the City's stormwater permit as well as improve stormwater management throughout the City. Fully addressing these requirements is key to improving the water quality of Lake Champlain and the Winooski River, as well as the streams that flow into them.

In addition, the City of Burlington continues to be a participant in the Chittenden County Regional Stormwater Education Program (RSEP) in accordance with section E1 of the stormwater plan.

Stormwater Ordinance 
Burlington's stormwater ordinance (Chapter 26) provides for more comprehensive review of projects in the City and for the collection of fees that support the maintenance, repair and replacement of stormwater infrastructure in the City and the continued development and implementation of a dedicated stormwater program to ensure regulatory compliance and to improve water quality in our waterbodies.

• City Code - Chapter 26
  Amendments to the City Code, Chapter 26 - Ordinance adopted by City Council December 15, 2008; Effective April 1, 2009; includes 2010 amendment removing 1/2 acre impervious exemption.
  

Stormwater Project Review Process

All projects in Burlington disturbing more than 400 sf of earth require review from the Stormwater Program, regardless of whether other City permits are required. More information may be requested, but at a minimum you must complete the Small Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plan Form (see link below).

•   Small Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plan Form 

 Single Family or Duplex properties:

Single Family or Duplex projects that are disturbing more than 400 s.f. and where the total amount of impervious is greater than 2500 s.f. (the average amount of impervious) will need to submit a Residential Stormwater Questionnaire.  (fillable word form version or pdf version).  For assistance in filling out the form, please check out the "Disconnected or Connected Impervious?" primer or contact the Stormwater Program Manager at mmoir@burlingtonvt.gov.

 Commerical Properties (including Triplexes):

Triplex or Commercial projects that are disturbing more than 400 s.f. will be required to submit some form of Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Plan as well as a Stormwater Management Plan depending on the size of the project.  Please submit the Stormwater Management Screening Sheet (fillable word form version or pdf ) to the Stormwater Program Manager to determine the requirements of your project.

Once the requirements have been determined, please ensure that you submit all of the requirements listed on the Stormwater Management Plan Requirements.

Stormwater Fees  

All properties in Burlington with impervious surface (paved and unpaved driveways and walkways and rooftops) pay a small fee on their water/wastewater bills. Single family, duplex and triplex homes pay a flat fee based on the average amount of impervious associated with these parcel types. Other types of properties (commercial parcels, as well as seasonal homes and vacant lots) are assessed a fee based on the amount of impervious on the parcel. Some properties are eligible to apply for up to 50% credit on their stormwater bill if they already have or are planning to install stormwater treatment and control measures. See links below for more information.

• Stormwater Fee Information  
• Stormwater Credit Manual (May 2009): Fee credit program for directly assessed properties ( by ISUs) which have implemented stormwater management practices to reduce and/or treat stormwater runoff from their properties. The credit program is not yet available for those properties who pay a flat fee (no ISUs listed on bill).

For general billing questions call 863-4501.
For program and administrative questions call 863-9094 and ask for the Stormwater Administrator.