In 1987, the United States Congress amended the Clean Water Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop regulations for the permitting of stormwater discharges into the waters of the United States of America. In addition, under the provisions of the "Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act," (Chapter 403, Florida Statutes, at section 403.0891), local governments are required to develop stormwater management programs. In order to comply with the mandated Federal requirements, and in accordance with state law, Dade County enacted a county-wide stormwater utility ordinance (91-66) effective June 30, 1991.

The Stormwater Utility is supported by user fees which are to be used only for the management, maintenance and improvement of the public stormwater system. The stormwater utility fee rate is based upon a standard which is referred to as an "Equivalent Residential Unit" (ERU). The billing rate established by Dade County is $2.00 per month per ERU. All residential units, including single-family homes, condominiums, apartments, duplex, townhouse or mobile home, are charged the fee rate for one ERU or $2.00 per month. All non-residential properties are charged a user fee which is specific for the actual impervious area of the property. The fee is determined through the use of a formula by the rate of one ERU ($2.00 per month).

The money collected by Pinecrest from the stormwater utility fee will go into a separate Stormwater Utility Fund for maintenance of existing catch basins, stormwater drains, and future construction of new facilities as may be recommended upon the development of a Stormwater Master Plan.

Anyone desiring additional information on the above should contact the Village of Pinecrest at (305) 234-2121.