A drainage system shall be designed and constructed by the developer as required for the district in which the proposed subdivision or development is located for the proper drainage of the surface water of the subdivision or development and each lot as follows:
(a) Design. A subdivision shall be designed, particularly on land of very gentle slopes, to take every advantage of natural grades so that all the land can be satisfactorily drained without excessive grading. Unless watercourses or drainage ways are enclosed, the design shall be adjusted so that rear lot lines are approximately parallel to the natural or straightened course, and only where such a design is not possible may side lot lines be arranged parallel to an open drainage course. Easements for drainage ways and low-lying areas which are subject to flooding may be included as part of a lot but shall not be used as a building site or included in calculating the required lot area or width.
(b) An enclosed storm sewer system shall be provided where a tile inlet or an outlet with a capacity to receive the discharge is available within 1,000 feet of the subdivision or development and a connection made thereto, or where it is determined by the Commission that storm sewers or retention basins shall be provided and connected to a drainage ditch or other waterway without causing degradation of any sort to the receiving waterbody. The system shall have a capacity to serve the subdivision and drainage area of which it is a part. The system shall include pipes, culverts, manholes, catch basins, and drain inlets, if required, and a connection for each lot.
(c) An open drainage system shall only be permitted in a development or subdivision upon approval of the Planning Commission. In making a determination to permit an open drainage system, the Planning Commission shall evaluate the value of the open space with respect to the existing natural features, the level of maintenance required, and the entity to be responsible for maintenance. An enclosed storm sewer system within the subject development may be connected to an adjacent natural open waterways or adjacent and connecting drainage ditches provided that such drainage ditches are within a public right-of-way or within easements granted for such purpose.
Natural watercourses such as streams or brooks in their natural state, or the Chagrin River, may serve as a storm water outlet within a subdivision or development, if, in the opinion of the City Engineer, such natural watercourse is of sufficient size to accept such storm water outlet without creating detrimental suspended sediment loads, stream bank erosion or additional runoff pollution or downstream flooding. Any existing ditch or watercourse which has been created by artificial means or is otherwise man-made shall not be used as such an outlet within the subdivision or development. If, at any time, a natural watercourse within a subdivision or development is used as an outlet the developer shall be required to grant proper easements to the City to the satisfaction of the Law Director, permitting the City access to such watercourse. Any such watercourse shall be cleaned of all debris prior to acceptance by the City.
(d) The drainage system shall be designed in accordance with the standards set forth in the Construction Specifications adopted by Council.
(Ord. 1997-117. Passed 9-16-97.)