Norcross, A Place to Imagine

Frequently Asked Questions

Power

1. My power just went out...Who do I call?

   During business hours call 770-448-2122. After hours, call the Norcross Police department at 770-448-2111.

2. What causes the most outages within the City's System?

   Falling trees and limbs would be the most common, followed closely by wildlife interaction. This is why tree trimming is necessary. It is a very helpful tool that is not favored by all customers. The Norcross Tree Board is working to alleviate a portion of the trimming by removing dangerous trees and planting new trees further from the system's lines.

3. What is the largest contributor to a high bill?

   Generally, this will always be the air conditioner when it is hot outside. Also the heat if you are heating electrically. Any kind of "resistance heat" uses the most energy in a residential setting.

4. What are these paint markings in my yard?

   Anytime there is a project that requires digging - even if it is a small amount - there should be a notice called in to the Utility Protection Center (Georgia UPC). These marking represent different utilities under the ground. Many times these locators are asked to overlap the digging site or address to ensure the proper coverage. At times this means your yard may be marked - but no digging is to take place. If you need to call in a notice, simply dial 811 and have your information and the nearest cross street ready.

Public Works

1. What is a stormwater user fee?

   The stormwater user fee is a charge billed to all residents,
   businesss, institutions, agencies and organizations located in
   Norcross. The money that is collected can only be spent on
   stormwater management and improvements.

2. Isn't this just another tax?

   No. Although the user fee is an additional cost to residents and
   businesses, it is not based on the ad valorem value of a property.
   An exemption from paying property taxes will not mean that user
   fees are not charged. The user fee provides a more reliable and
   equitable source of funds for stormwater management services.

3. How much will I pay on my property?

   Customers will pay $1.25 per 100 square feet of impervious area a
   year. For example, a parcel with 3,000 square feet of impervious
   surface would pay $37.50 per year. Approximately two-thirds of the
   homes in Norcross have less than 3,000 square feet of impervious
   surface area.

4. Whom do I call if I have additional questions?

   The City of Norcross Stormwater Management Program is managed by the Public Works and Utility Director, Mr. Craig Mims. Questions
   about the stormwater fees and how they are utilized should be
   directed to Mr. Mims at (678) 421-2069.

5. How is the impervious surface area measured?

   The City is utilizing computerized maps, called Geographic
   Information System (GIS), as well as aerial photographs to measure
   the total square footage of impervious surface on a parcel.

6. How has the charge been determined?

   The fee is being based on the total amount of impervious surface on
   a parcel. Impervious surfaces are areas that cannot absorb
   rainfall including rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, etc. These areas
   reduce the natural infiltration of stormwater, which increases
   runoff.