§ 3-2. Assessment of base fee – Single-family properties.

(a) Assessment formula.

The fee for a single-family property is the flat rate determined by:

(1) the applicable tier category within which the property falls, as determined under subsection (b) of this section;

(2) the number of equivalent residential units (or "ERUs") assigned to that tier; and

(3) the rate per ERU set in accordance with § 3-4 {"Initial rates"} or § 3-5 {"Subsequent rates"} of this subtitle.

(b) Tier categories.

(1) The tier categories for single-family properties are based on a property's impervious surface area, as determined by the Department of Public Works.

(2) The tier categories are as follows:

(i) Tier 1 – property with impervious surface area less than or equal to 820 square feet.

(ii) Tier 2 – property with impervious surface area greater than 820 square feet and less than or equal to 1,500 square feet.

(iii) Tier 3 – property with impervious surface area greater than 1,500 square feet.

(c) Corrections.

If a property owner contests the property's tier assignment and presents plat information, non-aerial photography, or non-aerial videography to support a claim that the property belongs in a lower tier, the Department must:

(1) demonstrate that the higher tier is correct; or

(2) failing to so demonstrate, make the requested correction.