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Department of Public Works

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  Look for storm water drainage problems before you buy a house.

  Look for storm water drainage problems on your property now.

1. Check the record plat of your subdivision for public or private storm sewer easements and private drainage easements.
2. All downspouts should extend as far away from the house as practical.
3. All downspouts should be at least 10' from any property line for construction only. Are the downspouts directed to the front or back of your property, not to the house next to you?
4. The ground around the house should slope away from the house at least 1 foot in the first 5 feet.
5. A common Section A-A Swale on the property line between houses may be necessary to slope the ground away from the houses.
6. A lawn should be established to maintain good ground cover to prevent erosion, especially in swales.
7. Perforated Drain Pipe wrapped in a geotextile fabric, installed and covered with a washed gravel backfill material may be needed to solve problem areas where re-grading is not practical.
8. In many cases re-grading or filling with topsoil will eliminate low spots. However be careful not to move the problem somewhere else on your property or to your neighbor's property.
9. Is there a clear overland flood route from the low point in the street or cul-de-sacalong the side property line to your back yard?
10. Is there a clear overland flood route from the headwall or catch basin in your back yard along the side property line to the street?
11. If you have a creek on or near your house, what is the flood elevation, and what is the elevation of the lowest opening (walkout or basement windows) of your house?
12. If you're in a FEMA flood hazard area do you have flood insurance?

Photographs of a Section A-A Emergency Overflow Swale.

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Perforated Drain Pipe under a Section A-A Swale.