Who is responsible for maintaining the ditch, swale, stream or creek in my yard?
The property owner is responsible for maintaining the open channel (ditches, swales, streams and creeks) located on their property, whether or not it is within an easement. (Easements are sometimes granted to allow authority to enter a property, but does not transfer the property owner’s obligation to maintain the channel.) The City’s present policy is to maintain all publicly owned drainage structures (culvert pipes, inlets, etc.) that are located within public right of way or easements. The City will also maintains all open channels located within public right of way.
