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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is defined as: The surface flow of water resulting from precipitation in any form and occurring immediately after rainfall or snow melting.

2. What is the purpose of the Stormwater Quality and Control Chapter of the City of Wheat Ridge Code of Laws?

Its purpose is to regulate both stormwater and non-stormwater discharges to the storm drainage system, as required by federal and state law and to protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses, water bodies and wetlands in a manner consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act and Colorado Revised Statutes (latest edition).

3. What is the difference between public and private drainage systems?

Public drainage systems are located within public drainage easements or street rights-of-way. Public drainage systems are the City’s maintenance responsibility if the street is a City street (not a state highway). Public drainage systems located within state highways such as Sheridan Blvd., Wadsworth Blvd., Kipling St., and Ward Road are maintained by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Private drainage systems are located on private property and may or may not be located within private drainage easements. Private drainage systems are required to be maintained by the property owner(s).

4. What should I do with the roof drains from my single family dwelling?

Downspouts and gutters will collect and send out hundreds of gallons of water during a storm. Splash blocks at the bottom of the downspout serve as a way to absorb and spread the energy of the falling water. Downspouts should extend away from the house and be directed in a manner that will minimize the impact to adjacent, downstream properties. In particular, take precaution to not run the downspouts towards your neighbor’s structure. They should be routed to the closest stream, storm drain or area where the water is able to be absorbed into the ground before it harms a structure or adjoining neighbor’s property. If in doubt about the correct solution or if the drainage issue is more complex, a licensed Professional Engineer with expertise in storm drainage should be consulted.

5. My neighbor has done some work on his lot and now I’m getting more runoff. What can I do?

Lot-to-lot drainage problems are civil matters between the property owners. It does not violate city code for one lot to drain onto another. It is against the law to divert or concentrate runoff towards your neighbor’s property or block runoff from draining onto your property. We advise that you meet with your neighbor and discuss the problem to work toward a mutually agreeable solution. If this is not possible, consider grading swales on your property to convey the runoff around your home. Swales are wide shallow ditches that will collect runoff and take it to a more desirable area, typically the street. If swales are graded, care should be taken to ensure that grass is established so that they do not immediately erode. Area drains may be considered, but they typically do not have the capacity to handle the volume of runoff that is threatening to flood a home, and must be frequently cleaned of leaves and debris to function properly.

6. My driveway culvert has become clogged and no longer drains properly. Will the City come out and clean out my culvert?

Homeowners are responsible for cleaning out driveway culverts.

The City performs inspections and maintenance of surface facilities (swales, ditches, etc.) and subsurface facilities (inlets, manholes and stormwater pipes) that comprise the City’s drainage system.

7. There is new construction behind my lot and I’m having drainage problems due to the construction. Is there anything the City can do to make the developer drain his development away from me?

There is a misconception that new development is not allowed to drain onto existing development. If the area drained onto the adjacent property prior to development, it must continue to do so after development per state law. New development may not increase or otherwise adversely impact the existing drainage. If problems are being created during construction, please contact the Stormwater Coordinator at 303-886-3670 and we will investigate to determine whether the development is being properly constructed.

8. Is the City responsible for ensuring proper drainage on my lot?

The City is NOT responsible for ensuring proper drainage on privately owned property. If it is impossible to remedy the problem by working with your neighbor, then civil court action may be taken. This should be a last resort to resolving drainage problems. Only if the neighbor is diverting or impounding water against its natural flow or unnaturally concentrating the flow would the neighbor likely be liable for damages. If water is flowing as it naturally would, then the neighbor likely has no liability. Property owners are responsible for maintaining drainage on their own property. You could also consider a licensed Professional Engineer with expertise in storm drainage to examine alternative solutions.

9. What is the right way to place the hose from your sump pump?

Place hoses so that the water drains away from your house, preferably onto a grassy area or non-paved surface, and is absorbed on your property. Do not place the hose so that water from your sump pump drains onto neighboring properties or onto streets or sidewalks. Draining water from your sump pump onto the street or sidewalk could cause a hazardous condition for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. In summer, algae or mold can grow on sidewalks and the street, creating slippery conditions. In winter, ice build-up causes slippery conditions.