Financing Improvements
The City of Beaverton collects system development charges (SDCs) to help finance growth-related improvements to the potable (drinking) water system. SDCs are one-time charges to new customers, which fund new utility system (extra-capacity) expansions needed to serve new customers. SDCs are also collected to reimburse the City for existing systems facilities already constructed with unused capacity. Most public drinking water providers in Oregon have adopted SDCs.

Amending the Existing SDCs
The City of Beaverton has proposed to amend the existing SDCs and methodology. A public hearing on February 23, 2009, was held to hear public testimony on a proposed change in the existing SDC ordinance. The City of Beaverton last modified the methodology for potable water SDCs by Ordinance No. 4195(1) on February 4, 2002. As required by Oregon law (ORS 223.304), the City of Beaverton issued a public notice on November 13, 2008, stating the City’s intent to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed SDC change.

The Methodology Behind the SDCs
To adopt the changes in Beaverton’s SDCs, Oregon law requires the City to provide the methodology supporting the SDCs for public inspection 60 days prior to the first public hearing. The methodology provides the basis for the proposed changes, describes the components of the City’s water system, provides a list of future City water projects needed to serve new customers, and outlines proposed future SDC rates.

The written information setting out the methodology to modify the SDCs and associated charges is available for public inspection during the required 60-day period. For your reference, the existing and proposed water SDCs are as follows:

Meter Size	Existing SDCs	Proposed SDCs
5/8 inch	$3,180	$5,293
3/4 inch	$4,700	$7,622
1.0 inch	$7,950	$13,500
1.5 inch	$15,900	$30,497

Contact Us
If you have questions or comments, please contact City Utilities Engineer David Winship at (503) 350-4059.