Stormwater Service Billing

The City of Charleston Stormwater Utility was created in 2007 and operates under City Ordinances to provide funding that allows the City to maintain and improve stormwater drainage systems, water quality, and regulates stormwater activities including development and construction projects.  The Utility is funded by Stormwater Fees charged to properties within City Jurisdiction.   

The City Stormwater Fee billing is currently located on the CWS water bill but is shifting to the County Tax Billing Process for the 2026 service year.  More information can be found below:

How do I find out more information about the City of Charleston Stormwater Fee?

Email your questions to the City at CityofChasSWFee@charleston-sc.gov you can also call the City Citizen Services Desk at 843-724-7311.

How is my Stormwater Fee calculated?

Properties are charged a City Stormwater Fee based on the quantity of impervious area (rooftops, asphalt, concrete, etc.).  A property will be charged $132 per year for every 2,200 square feet of impervious area.  Note that a single-family residence will receive a flat fee of $132 per year and is assumed to have a typical impervious area of 2,200 square feet. 

What is the $132 Stormwater Fee on my tax bill?

The City of Charleston Stormwater Fee for single family residential properties is a flat rate of $132/year (other types of properties are charged a fee that varies based on the amount of impervious area on the property (rooftops, driveways, walkways, etc.) The City of Charleston Stormwater Utility Fee has previously been charged on a monthly basis on a property’s CWS water bill.  CWS is transitioning their billing system and the City Stormwater Fee is now being billed on an annual basis through the County Tax Offices.  The County Tax Bill being received in late 2025 will cover the Stormwater Fee service period of calendar year 2026.            

What properties pay the City of Charleston Stormwater Fee?

Properties in the jurisdiction of the City of Charleston are assessed the City Stormwater Utility Fee if they have more than 220 square feet of impervious area (asphalt, rooftops, concrete, etc).  The fee is a utility fee not a tax, so tax exempt entities are charged the stormwater fee.

If I have been paying Stormwater all year through CWS and now being charged a property tax fee, am I charged twice this year?

You will not be charged twice despite the change in billing.  The City of Charleston Stormwater Utility Fee has previously been charged on a monthly basis on a property’s CWS water bill, that billing will continue until the December 2025 water bill.  CWS is transitioning their billing system, and the City Stormwater Fee is moving to an annual basis billed through the County Tax Offices.  The County Tax Bill being received in late 2025 will cover the Stormwater Fee service period of calendar year 2026.         

Will the fee be waived for Homestead Exempt residents?

Under City Ordinances, property owners who have a Homestead Exemption through the County Tax Office on their property can apply to the City for a Stormwater Fee Waiver.  Property owners must separately apply to the City to receive this waiver.  Email your request to the City at CityofChasSWFee@charleston-sc.gov you can also call the City Citizen Services Desk at 843-724-7311.

 My property lot is vacant, why am I being charged?

Properties are charged based on the quantity of impervious area (rooftops, asphalt, concrete, etc.).  A property will be charged $132 per year for every 2,200 square feet of impervious area.  Note that a single-family residence will receive a flat fee of $132 per year and is assumed to have a typical impervious area of 2,200 square feet. 

My property is vacant and residential, why did I receive a bill?

Properties are charged based on the quantity of impervious area (rooftops, asphalt, concrete, etc.).  A property will be charged $132 per year for every 2,200 square feet of impervious area.  Note that a single-family residence will receive a flat fee of $132 per year and is assumed to have a typical impervious area of 2,200 square feet. If the property has impervious area, but not a constructed home, it is assessed using the amount of impervious area rather than the flat fee.  

Is the Stormwater Fee a Tax?

No, the stormwater fee is a utility fee based upon the amount of impervious area on a parcel.   It is not part of the millage (tax) rate used to determine a fee based on the value of the property.  The fee is being billed through the County Tax Offices in the same manner as many other governmental stormwater utility fees in the area for efficiency of collection.  The billing was previously on property’s CWS water bills (through December of 2025).

 What is undeveloped land?

Property with less than 220 square feet of impervious area does not receive a charge.

What is the $150 Residential User Fee on my County Bill?

This Fee is charged by Charleston County for services related to garbage and recycling.  More information is available on the County website: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/environmental-management/about.php#user_fees

Can I Appeal my Stormwater Fee Amount?

The City has an appeal process for the Stormwater Fee that is detailed in the following Appeals Manual:

 Stormwater Management Utility Fee Appeals Manual

Manual Appendices:

Stormwater Property Classification Adjustment

Impervious Area Adjustment

Condominium Stormwater User Fee Distribution Adjustment

Homestead Exemption Adjustment

Authorized Designee

Request for Reconsideration of Appeal Determination