(a) All roofs of every structure shall be maintained weathertight and shall be equipped with gutters and downspouts. Downspouts shall be connected to a public storm sewer, however one or more downspout(s) may be diverted into an approved rain barrel or other structural storage container, provided that the overflow from such appurtenances is directed into the public storm sewer. Rain barrels or other structural storage containers shall be covered at all times and incorporate a drainage system that directs any overflow away from the building's foundation and into the public storm sewer system. The installation of rain barrels or other structural storage containers shall be subject to the review and approval of the Building Commissioner, and shall conform to the standards set forth by the City for such devices. No branches, shrubbery, or other overgrowth is permitted to encroach or come into contact with roof areas. All roof, gutter, and downspout replacements must reasonably match and conform to the original design or be replaced completely.
(b) As an alternative to the requirement of division (a) of this section, that downspouts be connected to the public storm sewer system, one or more downspouts may be directed into an approved rain garden. Such rain garden shall be subject to the review and approval of the Building Department and the City Engineer, and shall be constructed in accordance with the latest edition of the Rain Garden Manual for Homeowners. No rain garden shall be constructed until a permit has been obtained as set forth in Section 762.01.
(c) This requirement shall be waived for existing appurtenant structures if, in the opinion of the Building Commissioner, the drainage does not cause excessive erosion or water damage or does not create a nuisance on public or private property.
(Ord. 27-92. Passed 9-29-92; Ord. 25-07. Passed 4-14-08; Ord. 07-10. Passed 1-25-10.)