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Resident raises drainage and gate concerns after neighboring driveway work; commissioners and staff review next steps
Summary
Hart County resident Max Allen told commissioners on May 13 that recent driveway and landscaping work at a neighboring property has changed drainage patterns and washed out his yard.
Max Allen, a Hart County resident, spoke during public comment on May 13 to complain that neighboring construction and a new driveway and gate placement have altered drainage and damaged his property.
"All the money I've spent on pine straw, fencing, everything is washed out on my side," Allen said, describing new concrete and changes in the flow of storm water after recent construction. He asked whether a 38- or 40-foot gate and other work were approved and whether the county could stop or remedy water running onto his property.
County officials responded that the county did not convey right-of-way property to the neighbor and that staff would not undertake work on private property, but they discussed permitting steps and whether the road commissioner's advice had been followed when the driveway connection was approved. Commissioners and staff said the county could not automatically accept responsibility for private drainage changes and suggested Allen consider a civil engineer to document impacts. One commissioner noted that a permit process and site plan are required and that where a change "slipped through the cracks" the county would have to review each case on its merits.
No formal action or vote followed Allen's comments. Commissioners and staff said they would review the documentation Allen provided and emphasized limits: county crews will not perform private-property drainage fixes but staff can review permits and confirm whether the proper site-plan and permit steps were followed.
Allen asked the board whether the gate could use county right-of-way and whether parking or placement could block the easement; staff said blocking a public right-of-way would not be permitted. Commissioners acknowledged the resident's concern and said staff would review the permit history and provide guidance to the resident about next steps, including possible civil-engineering documentation.
