FAQ - Stormwater

All of the water on my property stays on my property. Can I be exempt from paying the SW Utility?

No. The Utility applies to every property in Town. Whether or not all of the rainwater that falls on your property stays on your property - the Town of Franklin is still required to abide by the MS4 permit. The Municipal Small Separate Sewer System Permit is an unfunded Federal Mandate. While funds for this effort were traditionally allocated to the Highway Department from the General Fund, the costs associated with the requirements are increasing exponentially. This is why the Town adopted a Stormwater Utility. It is no longer feasible and is not sustainable to draw these funds from the General Fund. Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning must be enhanced – additional tasking’s include: catchment investigations, outfall testing, installation of infrastructure, detention basin maintenance, lining of drain pipes, retrofits of existing infrastructure, etc. This is a community-based solution to a community-based problem.  

Are Town facilities subject to the Stormwater Utility?

Yes. They are subject to the Stormwater Utility, just as they are subject to paying for water, sewer, trash and recycling.

Are universities and other educational institutions exempt from the Utility?

 No. The Stormwater Utility applies to all parcels in town. There are no exemptions. Separately, there are:

• Credits (eligible infrastructure for stormwater storage and treatment)
• Abatements (corrections for improperly calculated Impervious Area).

How do I know how much impervious area is on my property?

Visit the Impervious Area Map, from there, click on Impervious Area Map. Scroll through the map, or enter your property in the Search Bar.

Why am I being taxed on the amount of rain that falls on my property?

You are not. This is a Utility, not a tax. As a Utility, it applies to all parcels in Town. There are no exemptions. Therefore, commercial & industrial properties will be billed accordingly. The Utility also applies to educational institutions and religious organizations, which would have not been billed if this were a tax.

How is billing structured for condominium owners?

The bills for condominiums will be sent to the owner of the land associated with the condominium. The land-owner will collect the funds as they see fit.

What items/actions are eligible for a credit?

The Stormwater Credit manual is posted online here. Overall, residents and businesses are eligible for UP TO 50% credit off of their Stormwater Utility Bill. There is a 25% credit for stormwater “treatment” and 25% for stormwater “storage.” Details of such can be found in the Credit Manual.

How often will I be billed?

The stormwater utility fee will appear on your regular utility bill, which is sent out quarterly.

The IA on my property is not accurate. How do I get this corrected?

Please complete an Impervious Area Abatement application online and the DPW will be in contact with you. Contact the DPW Administration Building. A site-visit will be conducted. “Do we have your permission to enter your property to conduct the site-visit?”

I have a downspout that is directed toward the woods. Does this apply for a credit?

No, it does not. Whether or not all of the rainwater that falls on your property stays on your property - the Town of Franklin is still required to abide by the MS4 permit. While these funds traditionally were allocated to the Highway Department from the General Fund, the costs associated with the requirements are increasing exponentially. This is why the Town adopted a Stormwater Utility. Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning must be enhanced. There are many other tasks that must be accomplished to abide by the permit: Catchment investigations, outfall testing, installation of infrastructure, detention basin maintenance, lining of drain pipes, repairs of existing infrastructure, etc. This is a community-based solution to a community-based problem.