Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Drainage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Levy Court adopts updated drainage standards, requires lines‑and‑grades and foundation surveys
Summary
Ordinance LC 25‑23 tightened Kent County drainage rules: lines‑and‑grades plans and a foundation survey will be required prior to final/closing inspection for major subdivisions, with new minimum standards for basements and evaluation of basement suitability relative to stormwater permanent pools.
Kent County Levy Court on Oct. 28 adopted Ordinance LC 25‑23, an update to Chapter 116 (drainage standards) that adds clearer minimums and procedural requirements intended to reduce wet‑basement complaints and improve subdivision drainage outcomes.
Planning staff described the ordinance as the product of recent workshops and coordination with the conservation district. The amendments require submission of lines‑and‑grades plans for development on lots smaller than one‑half acre, a foundation survey prior to closing inspection for major subdivisions to demonstrate compliance with approved plans, minimum standards for drainage facilities, and an evaluation of basement suitability. Where basements are allowed, the ordinance establishes a baseline that basement floors be at least two feet above the permanent pool elevation of the nearest stormwater facility.
Commissioners thanked staff for adding tools to address recurring drainage problems and for involving the conservation district in technical development. Commissioner Hall moved adoption; Commissioner Pepper seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call (seven ayes).
The ordinance is intended to give county staff more enforcement and inspection authority to ensure subdivision infrastructure matches approved plans and to limit future wet‑basement issues; technical implementation and any supporting guidance will be coordinated with the conservation district and Public Works.
