159.03 STORM AND SANITARY SEWER CONNECTIONS.

   (a)   Downspout and Roof Drains. Downspout and roof drains shall not be connected to any sanitary sewer, but shall be connected to storm sewers where independent storm sewers are available, except that:

      (1)   The City may require the owner of a property to disconnect the downspout from the storm sewer system and to have it splash at grade under the following conditions:

         A.   Whenever a building foundation water problem exists that can be alleviated by diverting runoff from downspouts away from the building foundation, thereby avoiding the need for costly remedial work; or

         B.   Wherever instructed by the City after a prior determination has been made by the City that rain water is entering into the sanitary sewer system from the property's storm drains or sewers.

      (2)   The following requirements must be met for approval to be given for disconnecting a downspout:

         A.   The splash block's direct flow shall be far enough from the house so that it cannot flow back toward the building foundation wall; and

         B.   Water draining across the property shall not create significant flooding problems on other property; and

         C.   Additional runoff, once diverted away from the house, shall drain without major ponding on the site; and

         D.   A permit for downspout disconnection shall be issued by the Director of Public Works to the property owner, lessee or party in control after application is made, and subsequent inspection and City approval. The permit shall require compliance with this Chapter. The permit will be rescinded if the disconnected downspout runoff creates a nuisance condition on other property. The downspout will then have to be reconnected to the storm sewer; and

         E.   If, in the opinion of the City, the property is not suited for downspout disconnection, a permit will not be issued. The property owner, lessee or party in control may submit a drainage plan prepared by a licensed surveyor that shows that any rainwater discharging at grade will not adversely affect other property, which shall then be considered by the Director.

      (3)   If a determination is made by the City that the disconnection of a downspout has not significantly reduced the risk of basement flooding, or has caused a significant flooding problem on the property or off of the property, the City may require the reconnection of the downspout or, if the City required disconnection of the downspout, the City may reconnect the downspout, if requested, at no cost to the owner, lessee or party in control of the property.

      (4)   A downspout may be disconnected from the sewer system and attached to a rain collecting container without approval of the City, if such container drains and/or overflows in such a manner as to meet the requirements in this Section for the disconnection of a downspout. The City may order the removal of such a container and reconnection of the downspout as set forth in this Section on the same basis as set forth in this Section for disconnected downspouts. Any such containers must meet the requirements of any other ordinances that may be applicable.

   (b)   Roof, Driveway and Yard Drains. Roof, driveway and yard drains shall not be connected to any sanitary sewer, but shall be connected to storm sewers where independent storm sewers are available.

   (c)   Window Wells. All window wells shall be connected to the storm sewers. In the alternative, the window well masonry, or earth around the masonry, may be built up to eight inches above grade so as to prevent drainage of storm waters into the sanitary sewers.

   (d)   Maintenance. All private sewer connections, and all parts thereof, shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary and good operating condition at all times.

   (e)   Test Tees. All properties shall have a test tee which has an opening at ground level in a visible and accessible location on the property.

(Ord. 09-36. Enacted 3-23-09.)