Challenge to Sewage Connection Fees Based on Benefit Equalization

An entity challenged the decision of a lower administrative body regarding sewage connection fees, which were levied pursuant to a local regulation based on the principle of benefit equalization. The court reasoned that while the imposition of such fees must be based on a specific legal basis and adhere to principles of proportionality and equality, the challenged fees were permissible because they were established by a municipal bylaw, demonstrably covered the actual costs associated with providing the sewage connection benefit, and were applied uniformly to all benefiting properties, thereby satisfying the requirements of lawfulness and equity.