(A) This section shall regulate the installation of culverts and the enclosing of storm drains along all county highways.
(B) No person shall enclose any storm drain or ditch on the county road right-of-way or install any culvert, pipe, tile or tube therein, unless a permit has been issued therefor by the County Highway Department. Applications for the permits shall be made on forms provided by the Highway Department.
(C) Any landowner who wishes to install a residential driveway culvert or field entrance on the county road right-of-way shall, prior to installation, apply for a permit from the County Highway Department. Any permit which is issued shall specify the minimum diameter of pipe required.
(D) Any landowner who wishes to enclose a roadside ditch or storm drain on the county road right-of-way for any purpose other than a residential driveway or field entrance shall, prior to installation, apply for a permit from the County Highway Department. The landowner shall provide the Highway Department with a detailed drawing of the proposed work specifying the length of ditch to be enclosed, location of inlets and any other relevant information. Any permit which is issued shall specify the minimum diameter of pipe and the grades of the surface and fill which shall be required.
(E) The installation of the culvert or pipe shall be performed according to the specifications set forth in the permit.
(F) The costs of the culvert or pipe and all fill and labor shall be at the expense of the landowner, except the county may provide labor and equipment for installation of driveway culverts or field entrances. All maintenance and cleaning of obstructions shall be the responsibility of the landowner. If the storm drain or culvert becomes inadequate, or if it is improperly installed in violation of the permit, the Highway Department may remove any storm drain or culvert in the county road right-of-way if the drain remains obstructed.
(G) The minimum diameter of a pipe or culvert allowed in county right-of-way shall be 12 inches. The minimum length of a pipe or culvert for a residential driveway or field entrance shall be 20 feet. However, if the County Highway Department is going to install the pipe or culvert, it must be at least 24 feet in length and be made of metal.
(H) By resolution of equal date herewith, the Board of Commissioners have adopted a policy on roadside culverts. In the event of any conflict between this section and this policy, the provisions of this section shall govern.
(I) The County Board of Commissioners shall have the right to change or amend the permit approval procedure and to delegate that responsibility to a particular employee by resolution. The Commissioners hereby delegate the County Highway Superintendent as the employee to develop the permit forms and to approve and deny the permits described herein.
(Ord. O-C-02-5, passed 12-2-2002) Penalty, see § 10.99