Residential Drainage

Definition

Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from an area. The Committee of the Whole meets every Tuesday, subject to agenda items, where drainage can be discussed. View a sample appear letter to the committee (PDF) online. The City of Batavia Drainage Policy (PDF) can be read for clarification.

Drainage Problems

If you are having a problem at your home or residence with drainage, i.e. standing water for over 72 hours, blocked drainage ways, etc. please submit the following online form to request a city staff member to contact you to discuss your issue. You may find the City of Batavia Drainage Brochure (PDF) helpful as well.

Common Obstructions

• Fences
• Landscaping debris
• Planted landscaping (examples are shrubbery, ground cover, etc.)
• Sheds and other structures
• Tree root systems on mature trees

See the following handout (PDF) for good landscaping practices and helpful guidelines.

Solutions

Here are some solutions to resolve some typical drainage issues:

• Build sheds and other structures outside of the 5-10 feet Public Utility and Drainage Easement area.
• Do not block or cover storm drains or alter the grading of your swale or install landscaping in those areas. In addition be aware of where you place plants, trees, or other landscaping additions on your property.
• Place fences such that the bottom of the fence allows ample spacing for water to flow underneath (3-4 inches above the ground). Installing a fence without that gap can cause soil and other debris to buildup at the fence and inhibit proper water flow.
• Reroute water flow by installing drainage pipes or swales. Additionally, a dry well (PDF) may be used with City Engineer approval.

Easements

An easement is a right given to another person or entity to trespass upon land that person or entity does not own. Easements are used for roads, for example, or given to utility companies for the right to bury cables or access utility lines. Easements run with the land. Almost every home has an easement. It is important to look for easements in the public records, especially if a prospective buyer plans to put in a swimming pool. A property owner cannot build on top of an easement.

The standard language in the City of Batavia Public Utility and Drainage Easement (P.U.D.E) Provisions reads that no obstruction or structure shall be erected or located, nor shall any trees be planted, over said easement areas, nor shall any other activities be undertaken that unreasonably interfere with the Grantees' intended use thereof, but the same may be used for landscaping, fencing, parking or other purposes if such use does not then or later interfere with the aforementioned purposes.