§ 16-203. Definitions and exemptions.

Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meanings of words and terms used in this article shall be as set forth in S.C. Code § 48-14-20, and S.C. Code Reg. 72-301, and S.C. Code Reg. 61-9 mutatis mutandis.

Agricultural residential property. Property designated as a single parcel on the Pickens County tax maps, containing no more than two (2) dwelling units, and used for agricultural purposes. The requirements set forth in this article are not applicable to land disturbing activities on agricultural residential property if the property is being used for production of plants and animals useful to man. However, any construction on agricultural residential property that requires the issuance of a building permit is subject to the fees as calculated for agricultural residential property, as set forth herein in section 16-208.

Base rate. The annual stormwater management fee charged per equivalent residential unit, which rate shall be twenty-four dollars ($24.00).

Billing period. The Stormwater fee shall be billed on an annual basis, such billing period as established by Pickens County, and shall be due and payable within the time and in the manner prescribed by law for city ad valorem taxes pursuant to S.C. Code 12-45-70 (as may be hereafter amended), or other law of similar import.

Commercial property. Developed property that is not single-family residential property or agricultural residential property, to include but not be limited to mixed use property, multifamily property, parking lots and properties used for office, retail, industrial, recreational, institutional, cultural, accommodation and assembly purposes.

Developed property. Real property which has been altered from its natural state by the addition of any improvements such as buildings, structures, or other impervious surface area. For new construction, property shall be considered developed property upon final approval of site improvements by the city engineer.

Dwelling unit. A unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one (1) family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

Equivalent residential unit (ERU). A descriptive value based on the total gross area and the amount of impervious surfaces. The ERU is defined, for computation purposes, as an average single-family dwelling unit, including any improvements thereon, on a lot less than or equal to twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

Fee. The annual amount charged to the owner of real property as of the annual first billing date, which is January 1 of each calendar year, for the services provided by the stormwater utility.

Forest land. Property being used for the production and harvesting of timber and timber products. The requirements set forth in this article are not applicable to land disturbing activities on forest land for the purpose of production and harvesting of timber and timber products.

Impervious surface area. A surface which is compacted or covered with material that is resistant to infiltration by water, including, but not limited to, most conventional surfaced streets, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, and other similar structures.

Mixed use property. Developed property that includes a building or buildings containing residential and commercial uses.

Multifamily property. Developed property containing a dwelling unit or units designed for or occupied by three (3) or more families living independently of each other, with the number of families in residence not exceeding the number of dwelling units, which may or may not have accessory uses related to the purpose of providing permanent dwelling facilities, to include apartments and condominiums.

Revenues. All fees, assessments or other income received by the stormwater utility, including but not limited to, amounts received from the investment or deposit of monies in any fund or account and all amounts received as gifts, donations and the proceeds from the sale of bonds to finance the stormwater management program.

Service period. The service period begins on January 1 of each year and ends on December 31 of that year.

Single-family residential property. Property designated as a single parcel on the Pickens County tax maps, containing no more than two (2) dwelling units, to include townhouses.

Undeveloped property. Real property which has not been altered from its natural state by the addition of any improvements such as buildings, structures or other impervious surface area, or which has less than fifty (50) percent of the equivalent residential unit of impervious surface area, to include golf courses and parks.

Utility customer. The person or entity who is the owner of the property as of January 31 of the calendar year, and such person or entity shall receive the annual billing for the stormwater utility.

(Ord. No. 2010-01, § .03, 4-5-10; Ord. No. 2010-18, .03, 10-18-09)