Council discusses limits on directing surface water onto neighbors’ property; no ordinance change enacted

The council discussed on Aug. 20 whether Fond du Lac should adopt regulations prohibiting property owners from directing surface water onto a neighbor’s land after a constituent reported a filled drainage ditch in a subdivision. Councilor Schisler introduced the item and requested guidance and possible ordinance options.
City staff and the city attorney explained the city generally does not adjudicate private property disputes and that existing city chapters address drainage plans and wastewater collection but do not provide a clear remedy for many neighbor‑to‑neighbor surface water complaints. Staff said they can provide drainage plans to affected property owners and explain available private legal remedies. City Manager Moore said he would personally follow up and visit the affected property.
Councilors debated whether a new ordinance similar to one cited from Little Chute might help; staff noted any new ordinance would not be retroactive to correct past obstructions. No formal ordinance change was proposed or adopted at the meeting; the discussion was informational and staff committed to follow up with the constituent.