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B 26-0385

CRIAC Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

The CRIAC Amendment Act mandates all DC property owners pay an impervious area charge based on surface size, impacting costs and water runoff management.

Act A26-0191 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 012869
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Bill Summary · B 26-0385

Summary of Bill B 26-0385: CRIAC Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The CRIAC Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 aims to clarify the responsibilities of property owners and occupants in the District of Columbia regarding the payment of an impervious area charge assessed by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water). This bill seeks to amend existing legislation to ensure that all properties in the District are subject to this charge based on their impervious surfaces, which affect water runoff and drainage.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several amendments to existing laws:

  1. Amendment to the District of Columbia Public Works Act of 1954:

    • Section 207 is updated to specify a billing methodology that considers both water consumption and service to properties supplied by the District's water system.
    • Section 208 is amended to require that all property owners or occupants pay any impervious area charge established by DC Water.

  2. Amendment to the Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996:

    • A new subsection (c-1) is added, allowing DC Water to assess an impervious area charge based on the amount of impervious surface on a property. This includes rooftops, driveways, patios, and other paved areas.
    • The bill states that the charge is the responsibility of the property owner, and failure to pay may result in a lien on the property.
    • Property owners have the right to contest the charge through established procedures.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: This legislation will impact all property owners and occupants in the District of Columbia, particularly those with impervious surfaces that contribute to water runoff.
  • Financial Implications: The impervious area charge will be assessed based on the amount of impervious surface, potentially leading to increased costs for property owners with larger impervious areas.
  • Enforcement: The Mayor has the authority to enforce liens on properties that fail to pay the charge, ensuring compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: October 6, 2025
  • Final Reading: October 21, 2025
  • Mayor's Approval: Signed and enacted on November 10, 2025, as Act Number A26-0191.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect following a 30-day congressional review period and will expire after 225 days.

Conclusion

The CRIAC Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 is a significant legislative measure aimed at clarifying the responsibilities of property owners regarding impervious area charges in the District of Columbia. By ensuring that all properties are assessed fairly based on their impervious surfaces, the bill seeks to enhance water management and infrastructure funding in the District.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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