CivicMic works with the County of Santa Cruz to facilitate community outreach and public engagement for Zone 5.
What is Zone 5?
- Zone 5 is a designated Drainage Zone / Flood Control Districts used to manage and fund stormwater infrastructure work (storm drains, channels, conveyances).
- This zone includes the communities of Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos.
- There are several locations within this zone that require system improvements to mitigate drainage problems. The County is committed to upgrade the drainage system on an ongoing basis within available funding.
Why is a stormwater fee proposed?
Stormwater is rain that runs off streets, parking lots, roofs, other impervious surfaces, and also rain that naturally flows over the ground surface. Stormwater runoff receives no treatment and enters directly into our storm drain system and out to our creeks, rivers, and ocean.
Much of the storm drain infrastructure in Santa Cruz County is more than 50 years old. Many channels, pipes and pumps located on both public and private properties are deteriorating. The 2023 winter storm season caused devastating flooding and underscored the need to prepare for emergencies and to protect local, natural water resources.
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of pollution in our surface waters. Pollutants (such as oils, chemicals, fertilizers, litter) can be transported by stormwater into our creeks, rivers, and ocean. Increases in impervious surfaces can also cause water quantity issues such as flooding and erosion, as well as water quality problems, if not managed properly.
Effective stormwater management helps protect homes, businesses, roads, waterways, and habitat by reducing flood risk and improving water quality.
Current Zone 5 funding cannot keep up with ongoing maintenance and the rate has not increased since 1969. Inflation and the aging infrastructure continue to increase the cost of necessary repairs, leading to the need for additional funding.
Approval Process
- A Stormwater fee study explains the proposed fee, why it is needed, and how the amount was calculated.
- Property owners receive mailed notice with details about the proposal and the public hearing.
- A public hearing is held so the community can review the proposal, ask questions, and submit written protests.
- If there is not a majority protest, the agency may move forward with the Stormwater Fee Election.
Projected Timeline
Polling Begins
Public Engagement Events
Board Meeting
Consider Resolutions: Set Fee Adoption Procedures, Preliminarily Approve Fee, Order Notices Mailed
Notices Mailed
Objection Deadline
Board Meeting
Public Hearing, Tabulate Protests, Respond to Objections
Election Ballots Mailed
Stormwater Fee Election
Tabulate Election Ballots
Board Meeting
Consider Resolutions: Declaring Election Results & Adopting Stormwater Fee