The topography of the City of Fond du Lac is primarily flat which can cause drainage issues throughout many neighborhoods. You, as a property owner are responsible for the maintenance of the drainage on your property.
If you live in a subdivision that was developed after 1974 chances are the subdivision has a Master Drainage Plan associated with the subdivision. A Master Drainage plan is a tool used by landscape professionals to properly grade a lot after it has been improved. All lots properly graded together will allow surface water to flow to underground utilities and ditches. Unfortunately over time erosion, trees, landscaping, swingsets, fill, etc. can sometimes disrupt the proper flow of water. Look around and see if maybe this is happening in your neighborhood. City ordinance also states that owners and successive owners are responsible for maintaining their lots to ensure for proper drainage.
City Ordinance 325-4.1 States: Drainage Plans. A City Engineer-approved drainage plan and application shall be required for construction of any building with an area of 650 square feet or greater and for any grading or landscaping that will change the elevations of a lot, except for the addition of fill to lot depressions to maintain elevations within interior of a lot…..To view the ordinance in full, please visit the Municipal Code 325-4.1.
City ordinance states a sump pump hose end cannot drain closer than 8′ to property lines and roof gutter drain ends cannot be closer than 4′ to property lines. If a violation is occurring a property owner can contact the City Plumbing Inspector at 920-322-3574.
Rain Gardens are also becoming a popular way to deal with drainage problems. They are attractive and “green”.