I think I’ve been 2-3x. Just for the snowmobile shows lol.

Most by-laws (depending on your municipality it will vary) do require a certain percentage of hard surfaces and lawn for your lot. For example 70% lawn & gardens vs 30% hard surfaces.

I know some people rip up their entire lawns and replace it with interlocking pavers or concrete which would then send more water towards the sewers instead of permeating back into the ground. Those people should be the ones that should have the this “rain tax” imposed upon. They’re likely going against the by-laws anyways.

When I install interlock patios, walkways or driveways, I always try to use a permeable application so that water goes straight back into the ground instead of running off into the sewers.

This is the job I’m currently installing for a client. It’s all open graded base material otherwise known as 3/4” drainage stone. There are no “fines” in it. The base is about 13-14” deep. Any surface water that runs off the patio will filter straight down through that drainage stone back into the ground and then soak into the sub-base.

Every job is different, and if I can, I will use an open graded base material to help with drainage.

Looking at this picture, the water will flow from right to left once the interlocking stone is installed.