Politics
Cincinnati Restructures Stormwater Fees Based on Property Impervious Surface
The revised formula bases charges on measured impervious surfaces at each address and takes effect with September utility statements for all city water customers.
How we reported this
The city of Cincinnati has put into effect a revised stormwater fee calculation approved in the mayor's 2026 operating budget. The change applies to every property served by the Metropolitan Sewer District, from single-family homes in Westwood to commercial buildings downtown.
City records show the update responds to a 2025 engineering review that documented increased runoff volumes after heavy spring rains. The new rate replaces the previous flat charge with a calculation tied directly to roof, driveway and parking areas recorded on each parcel.
Direct Effects on Household and Business Accounts
A property owner in Northside with a 1,800-square-foot roof and paved driveway will now receive a line item based on those exact measurements rather than a uniform citywide amount. Local advocates note that owners can reduce the charge by adding rain barrels or replacing pavement with permeable materials before the next billing cycle.
Renters in multi-unit buildings in Over-the-Rhine will see the adjusted cost passed through in monthly statements from landlords. The city has mailed postcards to all 130,000 accounts directing residents to an online calculator that shows the new figure for their address.
The 2025 budget document listed stormwater operations at $45 million, and the government says the restructured fees will keep collections at that total while shifting portions among property types.
Next Steps and Resident Resources
Bills issued after 15 August will carry the updated amounts. City staff will hold three public sessions in August at recreation centers in Price Hill, Bond Hill and Oakley to explain the measurement process and answer questions about appeals.