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Department of Public Works

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Downspout Regulations

Public Works - Storm Water Drainage Division 

Section ST 302

For buildings on developed lots, as in subdivisions, etc., adequate surface grading, building drains and/or sewer-connected drains shall be provided. This grading, and the drains where necessary, shall be shown on the survey/site plan of the building permit plans. The Hamilton County Building Commissioner is responsible for obtaining this plan prior to issuing any building permit. Requirements for out letting of downspouts are included in Section 206 of the Hamilton County Engineers Subdivision Manual ("Rules and Regulations of the Office of the Hamilton County Engineer Governing Surface Public Improvements for Private Developments within the Unincorporated Areas of Hamilton County, Ohio") dated January 1, 2001 (or as subsequently revised). Downspout outlets shall comply with these Rules and Regulations as well as the Rules and Regulations of the Plumbing Division of the Hamilton County Board of Health and the Building Commissioner of Hamilton County. Developers are advised that when downspouts are discharged to the rear (or side) of a proposed lot, that flow should not be directed toward another building, or to a subdivision lot where a building is likely to be constructed, which would create storm water problems for such building.

The Hamilton County Director of Public Works is not responsible for review of plans for downspout outlets, or the issuance of permits for such. The review and approval shall be obtained from the office of the Hamilton County Engineer and the office of the Plumbing Division or the Hamilton County Board of Health.

County Engineer Regulations
Effective - April 1, 2006 - Section 206

Building downspout pipe outlets should be installed in the following order of priority:
1. To rear of proposed lot.
2. By connection to a collector pipe installed parallel to the street curb. See Standard Drawing No.4 and 8.
3. To nearest storm sewer inlet or storm manhole.
4. By approved connection to a storm sewer (one 6 " connection per lot).
5. To the nearest drainage course, i.e. natural swale or existing ditch.

Except for extremely unusual cases as determined by the Hamilton County Engineer, after written request by the developer, no downspouts shall be outletted through curb cuts.

In NO case shall downspout effluent be permitted to flow across sidewalks or drive aprons.
 

Building Commission Regulations
Section B5 Grading and Drainage

3. Positive surface drainage shall be provided for each lot so there is no unplanned pocketing of water on any surface. Downspout and sump pump storm water discharge, when piped below ground, shall be dispersed onto the ground surface no closer than ten (10) feet to adjoining properties.