What the DeKalb County stormwater bill covers and who receives it
DeKalb County, Illinois sends stormwater bills to property owners in unincorporated areas of the county to fund the maintenance and improvement of stormwater systems — the pipes, ditches, and detention areas that manage rainwater runoff. If you own property outside a city or village in DeKalb County, you will receive this bill even if you do not use municipal water service.
The bill is based on the amount of impervious surface on your property — the roofs, driveways, parking lots, and other hard surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground. The county measures this from aerial imagery and tax assessment records. Residential properties typically pay a flat fee per billing period, while commercial and industrial properties may pay based on the square footage of impervious surface.
Bills arrive by mail, usually quarterly or annually depending on the billing cycle in effect when your property was added to the system. The bill will show your property address, the billing period, the amount due, and the due date.
Key Takeaways
- DeKalb County stormwater bills are sent to unincorporated property owners and fund drainage systems that manage rainwater runoff.
- You can pay by mail using the payment stub included with your bill, by phone through the county's payment line, or online through the county website.
- Payments mailed should arrive at least five business days before the due date to avoid late fees.
- If you believe your impervious surface measurement is wrong, you can request a review through the county assessor's office.
- Late payments typically incur a penalty fee and may result in a lien placed on your property if the account remains unpaid for an extended period.
How to pay by mail
The payment stub included with your bill shows the mailing address for DeKalb County. Write a check or money order payable to DeKalb County and include the stub with your payment. Mail it at least five business days before the due date shown on your bill to ensure it arrives on time.
Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of the stub or take a photo of it before mailing as proof of payment. If you lose the stub, you can still pay by writing your property address and account number on a separate sheet and mailing it with your check.
How to pay online or by phone
DeKalb County offers online bill payment through its website. Visit the county's main website and look for the stormwater or utilities payment section. You will need your account number (shown on your bill) and can pay using a debit or credit card. Online payments typically process within one to two business days.
You can also pay by phone by calling the DeKalb County Finance Department or the stormwater division directly. Have your bill and a debit or credit card ready. Phone payments are usually processed the same day if made before the county's cutoff time, typically 4 or 5 p.m. on business days.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, DeKalb County will charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance or a flat fee — check your bill or contact the county to learn the exact penalty amount. The late fee is added to your next bill.
If the account remains unpaid for several months, the county may place a lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your property for the unpaid amount. A lien can affect your ability to sell or refinance the property until the debt is paid. The county may also refer the account to a collection agency or pursue other legal remedies.
Disputing the amount or the impervious surface measurement
If you believe the impervious surface measurement used to calculate your bill is incorrect, you can request a review. Contact the DeKalb County Assessor's Office and ask about the process for challenging the measurement. You may need to provide evidence such as updated property surveys, photographs, or documentation of recent changes to your property.
The review process typically takes several weeks. During that time, you should continue paying your regular bill to avoid late fees. If the county agrees that the measurement was wrong, they will recalculate your bill and may issue a credit for overpayment or adjust future bills.
Understanding your bill and account information
Your stormwater bill will show several key pieces of information: your account number, the billing period (the dates the bill covers), the amount due, and the due date. It will also show the impervious surface area used to calculate the charge and the rate per unit or the flat fee applied.
Some bills include a breakdown showing previous balance, current charges, any credits or adjustments, and the total amount due. If you have questions about any line item, contact the county's stormwater or finance department. They can explain how the charge was calculated and whether any credits or discounts apply to your property.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are unable to pay by the due date, contact DeKalb County as soon as possible. Some counties offer payment plans or extensions for hardship situations, though this varies by jurisdiction and is not may provide. Calling before the due date is better than waiting until after, as it shows good faith and may open options that are not available once the account is past due.
Explain your situation to the finance or stormwater department and ask what options exist. Even if a formal payment plan is not available, the county may agree to hold off on late fees or collection action while you arrange payment. Getting this agreement in writing is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my DeKalb County stormwater bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card online through the county website or by phone. Some payment methods may charge a processing fee, so check before you submit payment. Mailed checks and money orders do not incur a fee.
What if I rent the property instead of owning it?
The stormwater bill is sent to the property owner, not the tenant. If you rent and your lease says you are responsible for utilities, you should ask your landlord for a copy of the bill or ask them to show you how the charge is calculated. The owner remains legally responsible for payment to the county.
How do I know if my property is in the unincorporated part of DeKalb County?
If you receive a DeKalb County stormwater bill, your property is in an unincorporated area. If your property is inside a city or village, that municipality handles stormwater billing separately. You can also check the county assessor's website or call the county to confirm your property's location.
Can I get a discount or exemption from the stormwater fee?
Some counties offer credits for property owners who install rain gardens, permeable pavement, or other features that reduce runoff. DeKalb County may have a stormwater credit program, but availability and requirements vary. Contact the stormwater division to ask whether your property might may have access to.
What if I think my bill is wrong?
Review the bill for errors in your address, account number, or billing period. If you spot a mistake, contact the county immediately with the details. If the impervious surface measurement seems wrong, you can request a review through the assessor's office with supporting evidence such as property surveys or photographs.