Oxnard Raises Monthly Stormwater Fees Starting September for All Properties

Oxnard City Council members passed a revised stormwater management fee ordinance during their regular meeting on July 7. The measure updates the existing fee schedule under the city's Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 and applies to every residential and commercial parcel connected to the municipal storm drain network.

Fee Structure and Payment Timeline

The ordinance establishes a monthly charge of $12.75 for single-family homes and $9.50 for multifamily units. These amounts replace the prior flat rate of $8.25 that had been in place since 2022. City finance staff stated the adjustment is required to cover rising maintenance expenses listed in the 2025-2026 capital improvement program.

Collections begin with the September utility billing cycle. Residents who pay through the city's online portal or at the Oxnard City Hall finance counter will see the line item added automatically. The fee is calculated once per parcel regardless of water usage volume.

Local Budget Allocation Details

Revenue from the updated fee is projected to generate $4.1 million annually, according to the staff report attached to agenda item 8.3. The funds are earmarked for repair of 14.6 miles of storm drains identified in the 2024 Stormwater Master Plan as needing immediate work. Specific projects include lining segments along Oxnard Boulevard and clearing debris basins near the Gonzales Road corridor.

Policy analysts note that the fee is assessed uniformly and does not vary by neighborhood income levels. The city council directed staff to review the rate again during the 2027-2028 budget cycle and to publish an annual report on fund expenditures each March.

Implementation will be handled by the Public Works Department. Property owners may request a one-time hardship deferral by submitting documentation to the city clerk's office before August 15. The next council review of related drainage ordinances is scheduled for the October 6 meeting.