(a) The owner of any stream has the duty to maintain, dredge, and clear such stream, or applicable portion thereof, so that the natural flow of water runs unimpaired. The owner shall also be responsible for the removal of any debris, vegetation, silt or other items or material of any kind that may interfere with the natural flow of water or is likely to create an unsanitary condition or otherwise become a public nuisance.
(b) The chief engineer shall conduct an inspection of all city-owned streams that are lined with concrete or other impervious material no less than annually and all other city-owned streams no less than semi-annually, and shall remove or cause to be removed any debris, vegetation, silt, or other item or material of any kind that may interfere with the natural flow of water or is likely to create an unsanitary condition or otherwise become a public nuisance. In determining the scheduling of the annual or semi-annual inspections and removal of debris, vegetation, silt, or other items or materials, as applicable, the chief engineer shall consider seasonal patterns of elevated flood risk, such as that associated with hurricane activity, and approved, applicable permits.
(c) The chief engineer shall annually post on the website of the department a written report on the status of the inspection of each city-owned stream. The report must, at a minimum, contain the following information:
(1) The date on which, or period during which, the stream was inspected; and
(2) The types and quantities of debris, vegetation, rock, silt, or other items or materials of any kind that were removed from the stream to protect public safety.
(1990 Code, Ch. 41, Art. 26, § 41-26.3) (Added by Ord. 89-59; Am. Ords. 17-38, 18-40, 21-2)