(a) The board may prepare a plan or plans which in its judgment are necessary or required for the control and disposition of surface waters within the limits or any part of the service area and shall then divide the service area, or any part of the service area, into separate drainage areas. Each separate drainage area shall comprise, insofar as practicable, all land from which surface water drains by gravity along a stream or a natural water course to its nearest major outlet to tidewater. The division of the service area, or any part of the service area, into drainage areas shall be effected by a resolution adopted by the board, after a hearing held not less than 10 days after notice of the hearing is published in a newspaper having general circulation in the drainage area to be created. The resolution shall contain a definite description of the boundaries of the drainage area or areas and shall identify each drainage area by a distinctive name. After the passage of the resolution, the board shall cause a plat of the drainage area or areas to be prepared. One copy of the plat shall be filed with the administrative officer to the board and one copy shall be indexed and filed among the land records of Frederick County. Upon the filing of this plat, any drainage area shown on the plat is designated and constituted for the purpose of this chapter to be a separate drainage area and a taxing district for the purpose of imposing the drainage area assessments and taxes authorized by § 2-13-18 of this chapter. The filing of this plat shall constitute legal notice to the public of the action of the board.
(b) The board may adopt storm water and drainage manuals providing for the type of installations necessary in various areas to accommodate the proper drainage of given locations.
(Code 1959, § 10A-8; 1979, Chapter 723, § 1; 1991, Chapter 19, § 1)