Proposed Changes to Capacity Charges

Capacity charges are one-time fees imposed for new or expanded water and wastewater connections to reimburse existing customers for the investments they have made in the assets of the respective systems. The City last completed a capacity charge study in 2017.

The City hired a consultant to study the current capacity charges for the Water and Wastewater systems. The water capacity charges are proposed to increase by 7.2%, and the wastewater capacity charges are proposed to decrease by 3.6%.

A public hearing on the proposed charges will be held during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. City Council will consider adoption of the charges at their regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. If adopted, the new charges will become effective July 1, 2022. Regular City Council meetings are held in City Council Chambers at 2 pm at City Hall located at 735 Anacapa Street.

Staff gave a presentation on the proposed changes to the Water Commission on Thursday, April 21, 2022, and the Finance Committee on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The consultant's final report with recommended changes to capacity charges is available online on the Water & Wastewater Rates page, and a hard copy is on file with the City Clerk's Office.

For additional information, please contact Dana Hoffenberg, Water Resources Analyst, at 805-560-7585, or by email, DHoffenberg@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.