Public Works & Utilities

Nonresidential property may be eligible for a utility fee adjustment if there is permanent structural stormwater Best Management Practice(s) (BMPs). A structural stormwater BMP is a stationary and permanent BMP that is designed, constructed and operated to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants in stormwater. See the following link to the Minnesota Stormwater Manual for examples of a structural stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) here. Adjustments, if awarded, should be based on the avoided cost to the City’s stormwater utility.

Any runoff generated from the impervious surface which is not directed or conveyed to a permanent BMP, will not be entitled to any credit.

Please see the following credit options:

• 20% rate reduction for the area that drains to a water quality control structure (i.e. sediment/trash/debris trap).
• 25% rate reduction for the area that drains to a Green Infrastructure Practice. Water management using green infrastructure practices mimics the natural water cycle. Examples of green infrastructure practices include rain gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs, infiltration planters and trees, and rainwater harvesting systems.
• 30% rate reduction for the area a rate control and water quality structure which reduces the runoff rate from the served property to the level of a 2-year rain event compared to the pre-settlement condition.
• 40% rate reduction for the area a rate control and water quality structure which reduces the runoff rate from the served property to the level of a 10-year rain event compared to the pre-settlement condition.
• 50% rate reduction for the area a rate control and water quality structure which reduces the runoff rate from the served property to the level of a 100-year rain event compared to the pre-settlement condition.
• The Waterfront Credit is for non-residential properties that directly abut Lake Superior, St. Louis River or the Duluth Harbor per Section Duluth Legislative Code 43.67.2. The 90% credit is applied to the impervious surface areas that are treated by a structural water quality BMP(s) and discharges directly to the above identified public waters. If a portion of the site discharges to the City Right of Way, drainage system, and/or adjacent property owners, this area in not eligible for the waterfront credit.

See the following link to the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Application to apply for the 20% to 50% rate reduction. 

See the following link to the Waterfront Property Stormwater Utility Fee Credit Application to apply for the Waterfront Credit. 

A preliminary meeting to discuss the site, and the process of applying for the fee credit is recommended to assist in this application process. If you would like to schedule a preliminary meeting, please contact Utility Programs Coordinator, Laura Hoglund at lhoglund@duluthmn.gov or 218 730 5084.