FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. My neighbor is running his water onto my property and causing problems.  What can be done about it?

2. What information should I be aware of regarding the construction of a new house?

3. What information is available regarding drainage on my property?

4. Is someone able to come out to my property and offer some advice?

My neighbor is running his water onto my property and causing problems.  What can be done about it?

Most drainage complaints involve private property, and must be handled as civil matters. No county or township agency has authority to maintain or improve storm drainage faculties across an individual's property. They also don't have authority to make someone or his neighbor do anything.
There are provisions of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) that address drainage problems.  Section 3767.13 of the ORC, in the Nuisance Law, prohibits any person from unlawfully diverting a watercourse from its natural course or state in a way that injures or prejudices others. The penalty for violation of Section 3767.13 is a third degree misdemeanor.
In almost all cases, the landowner must initiate the action to resolve the drainage dispute or make the drainage improvement. Alternatives an individual might consider to resolve a drainage problem are: 

·         Landowner may chose to do nothing and accept the consequences, such as continues flooding, flood damage, etc., and possible future litigation by a third party.  Many landowners do select this alternative.

·         The landowner may work voluntarily with other landowners involved in the same drainage problem, and try to work out an agreement to pay the necessary costs and construct the improvements.

·         The landowner may consult a qualified attorney to present a case for getting the drainage problem resolved in a court of law. 

Most often the landowner is trying to collect damages resulting from the neglect of others to properly address a drainage problem.  The Greene SWCD is not a regulatory agency; we do not have the authority to tell property owners what they can and can not do with their land.  An appointment can be made to discuss options with the person with the concern.

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What information should I be aware of regarding the construction of a new house?

Many times, the soil type and its capabilities are overlooked when planning to use the land. Some soils are not suitable for septic tanks or homes with basements, while others can support them. For a complete description of all soils located in Greene County, please stop in and take a look at the soil survey. 

Further, if you live in a sub-division, construction drawings have been submitted and approved by the respective government agency.  Therefore, property owners in a sub-division have a grading plan that your home site has been constructed to.  This information is available through our office.

Take a look at this brochure:

        Before You Buy or Build

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What information is available regarding drainage on my property?

Several different brochures and fact sheets are here which discuss drainage and runoff on private property. Please look at the following online article. If you would like more details or have a question, please contact us.

        Drainage Around Your Home

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Is someone able to come out to my property and provide some advice?

Yes.  With the county growing as quickly as it is, many people call for information and appointments. Spring is probably the busiest time of the year because of melting snow and heavy rains. 

Also, please keep in mind the advice that is given, may not necessarily be what you want to hear. Recommendations are made based on facts and resources, and the topography of the land. 

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