Updates to DPW Flow Factors - Phase 1
Properties connecting to the Anne Arundel County water and sewer system are charged Capital Facility Connection Charges (CFCCs). These charges are calculated based on the estimated peak usage measured in Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs). An EDU represents 250 gallons per day (gpd) of water demand or wastewater flow, with a Single Family Dwelling equalling 1 (one) EDU. Quantification of EDUs for residential (other than single family dwellings), commercial, industrial, and institutional applications are expressed as a multiple of an EDU. The County has established flow factors to calculate EDUs for various facility types. These factors are essential for modeling water and sewer demands to ensure adequate public facilities are available to support new developments. Additionally, these factors are used to assess the CFCCs that fund the expansion of public water and sewer capacity.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) hired a consultant to evaluate the County's Flow Factors. Following the completion of phase 1 and internal review by DPW staff, the following updates are being implemented.
Effective January 1, 2026, residential development projects that have not received Final Plan or Site Development Plan approval from the Office of Planning & Zoning (OPZ) will have EDUs estimated and allocated based on the following flow factors per dwelling unit:
- Dwelling, Single Family (Detached) = 250 gpd
- Dwellings, Townhouses = 200 gpd
- Dwellings, Multi Family (per unit within a building) = 150 gpd
For residential projects that received an allocation prior to January 1, 2026, but have not yet received Final Plan or Site Development Plan approval, a revised EDU Worksheet may be submitted for review.
Effective April 1, 2026, the following flow factors are in effect for all nonresidential site development plan applications and nonresidential permit applications received on or after April 1, 2026.
| Description of Facility | Existing AACO Standard | Proposed AACO Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Hall | NEW | 0.10 gpd/ft² |
| Venue Hall | NEW | 0.10 gpd/ft² |
| Breweries, Wineries, or Distilleries (no food service) | NEW | 7 g/g produced |
| Breweries, Wineries, or Distilleries (with food service) | NEW | 7 g/g produced + restaurant type |
| Catering Establishments | NEW | 0.25 gpd/ft² |
| Fraternal Service Organization | 0.14 gpd/ft² | 0.05 gpd/ft² |
| Health Club or Spa with Pool | By fixture | 0.10 gpd/ft² |
| Health Club or Spa without Pool | By fixture | 0.05 gpd/ft² |
| Infusion Center | NEW | 0.13 gpd/ft² |
| Medical Spa | NEW | 0.13 gpd/ft² |
| Tavern (Class D liquor license, no food service) | 5 gpd/seat | 0.15 gpd/ft² |
| Tavern (Class D liquor license, with food service) | NEW | 0.25 gpd/ft² |
| Restaurants, Conventional (including establishments with Class B liquor licenses) | 25 gpd/seat | 0.60 gpd/ft² |
| Restaurants, Fast Food | 17.5 gpd/seat | 0.70 gpd/ft² |
| Restaurants, Outdoor Seating | 8 gpd/seat | 0.70 gpd/ft² |
| Massage Therapy Establishment | NEW | 0.13 gpd/ft² |
Phase 2 of the Flow Factor Study is currently in progress. If further adjustments to Flow Factors are identified in Phase 2 of the study, an Orange Notice will be issued accordingly.
Definitions
Residential Definitions
Dwelling, single family (detached): a structure that contains one residential dwelling unit used as a principal dwelling entirely separated from any other structure on all sides.
Dwelling, townhouse: a structure that contains at least three and no more than eight dwelling units side by side with each unit separated by a common wall or partition, and with each unit having separate access directly to the exterior of the structure. It also includes "Dwellings, stacked townhouses": a structure that contains four or more dwelling units arranged over and under or back-to-back with each unit separated horizontally or vertically from another dwelling unit by a common wall or partition and with each unit having separate access directly to the exterior of the structure or to a garage or small egress landing. The term also includes duplexes (two dwelling units), triplexes (three dwelling units), and fourplexes (four dwelling units).
Dwelling, multifamily: means a structure that contains twelve or more dwelling units with each unit separated horizontally or vertically from another dwelling unit by a common wall or partition and with each unit having access from an interior corridor system. It also includes Dwelling, multiplex: a structure that contains between five and eleven dwelling units, with each unit separated horizontally or vertically from another dwelling unit by a common wall or partition and having access from an interior corridor system.
Commercial Definitions
Banquet Hall: an establishment, not open to the public, that prepares or serves food and beverages only for ceremonial gatherings honoring guests or special occasions.
Venue Hall: An establishment, not open to the public, that does not prepare food for ceremonial gatherings honoring guests or special occasions. Food prepared offsite may be served at the venue.
Tavern: any establishment that has as its primary business purpose the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. "Tavern" does not include an establishment that meets the definition of a restaurant under the rules and regulations of the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County.
Tavern (Class D liquor license, no food service): An establishment that has as its primary business purpose the sale of alcoholic beverages on premises, that has or will obtain a Class D liquor license, and that does not serve food.
Tavern (Class D liquor license, with food service): An establishment with a Class D liquor license that serves food but is not considered a restaurant.
Breweries, wineries, and distilleries: A facility that has been issued a Class 3, 4, 5, or 9 manufacturer's license under the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of State Code, as described in County Code, 18-1-101.
Catering establishments: an establishment for the preparation of food and/or beverages for offsite consumption.
Fraternal Organization/Private club: an establishment that provides facilities for members for social or recreational purposes, is not open to the public, is not operated for profit or commercial purposes, and is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Infusion Center: an outpatient health care establishment administering fluids, medications, or nutrients to patients via an IV access device. This does not include inpatient hospital settings.
Medical Spa: an establishment in which cosmetic medical procedures such as botox, fillers, lasers, peels, microdermabrasion, body sculpting, and permanent makeup are performed. This does not include hospitals or other licensed health care facilities, and ownership by a certified medical professional may be required based on State of Maryland requirements.
Health Club or Spa: a facility in which a program of physical exercise is offered, including the right to use saunas, whirlpools, weightlifting rooms, massages, steam rooms, or exercising machines.
Massage Therapy Establishment: an establishment or premises occupied and used for the purpose of practicing massage therapy or massage therapy training and defined as the use of manual techniques on soft tissues of the human body for various health benefits.
Restaurant: an establishment, open to the public, that prepares or serves food and beverages for consumption onsite and may include take-out and delivery services. Restaurants may also provide banquet hall or catering services for ceremonial gatherings honoring guests or special occasions, as long as such services are not provided exclusively.
Restaurants, Conventional (includes establishments with Class B liquor licenses): A restaurant that typically provides table service and if alcohol is served, per the Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County Liquor Board Rules and Regulations, has a Class B alcohol license.
Restaurants, Fast Food: Restaurants where customers typically order at a kiosk, counter, or drive-through. Quick service is typically provided by offering a limited menu comprising items that can be served rapidly.
Restaurants, Outdoor Seating: Eateries and cafes with outdoor seating, or indoor and outdoor seating.