Raleigh launches unique drainage assistance program for property erosion and flooding

The Raleigh City Council Budget Work Session on April 7, 2025, highlighted key initiatives aimed at improving community services, particularly in stormwater management. The meeting focused on the city's drainage assistance program, which offers unique support for private property owners facing erosion, flooding, or aging infrastructure issues. Under this program, the city will fully fund necessary improvements if property owners agree to donate an easement, after which the city will take over maintenance.

Additionally, the council discussed the methodology for calculating stormwater fees based on impervious surfaces, such as rooftops and driveways. The city utilizes aerial photography to assess the amount of impervious area on each parcel. Most single-family homes will incur a monthly fee of $8.22, while commercial properties are charged based on their specific impervious area, calculated in equivalent units. For example, a commercial property with 47,000 square feet of impervious surface would face a monthly bill of approximately $172.

Notably, the council reported that two-thirds of stormwater revenue is generated from commercial properties, with the remaining third coming from residential sources. The proposed budget received unanimous support from the Stormwater Management Advisory Commission, which voted 8-0 to endorse the plan.

Overall, these discussions reflect Raleigh's commitment to enhancing stormwater management services and ensuring fair billing practices for both residential and commercial property owners. The council will continue to refine these initiatives as they move forward with the budget process.