(A) The primary function of roadside ditches is to provide drainage for road improvements. The County understands that the drainage of adjacent private property is in most cases unavoidable and necessary; however, drainage of adjacent private property should be considered of secondary importance to maintenance and safety of the road. Accordingly, any and all modifications to road side ditches located inside of and outside of a public road right-of-way shall require prior approval from the Highway Department.
(B) Also, any grading or other earthwork proposed on a particular site that results in a change or alteration to the stormwater runoff which in any way impacts or affects a public road or roadside ditch shall require review and approval from the Highway Department prior to conducting said activity.
(C) Any proposed work requiring the installation or modification of any storm sewers, culverts, control structures or other drainage facilities serving a public road or within a public road right-of-way shall be submitted to the Highway Department for approval prior to installation or modification. Any such proposed facilities requiring a bore under or cut in the road pavement shall also comply with § 92.03 of the Code of Ordinances of Knox County, Indiana.
(D) Drainage plans for any proposed work covered by this section need not comply with this section or §§ 151.23 through 151.26, §§ 151.31 et seq., and § 151.42, but drainage plans for any proposed work covered by this section are substantially subject to all other applicable provisions of this section. Site sketches and descriptions adequately depicting the scope of proposed work shall be submitted to the Highway Department for approval prior to conducting such activity. The Highway Department, at its discretion, may require the applicant to resubmit plans that comply with one or more of the above exempted sections at the applicant's expense. All plans submitted shall be accompanied by a check or money order in the amount consistent with the current fee schedule.
(E) The Highway Department shall consider the impact of any proposed work on adjacent road improvements, receiving streams and downstream drainage capacities. After thorough investigation and evaluation, the Highway Department may waive requirements or impose additional restrictions as a condition of approval and shall approve work only after determining there will be no damage or adverse effect to a public road or roadside ditch.
(Ord. 8-2014, passed 7-21-2014)