Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Culvert Blockage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homeowner ordered to open culvert after town finds roots and debris blocking flow
Summary
Peter Martz was ordered to clear blockage from a driveway culvert at 14817 Snell Trail by Jan. 2, 2026 after town inspections found roots and debris impeding drainage. The magistrate said the entire pipe must be clear; failure to comply will trigger $250/day fines.
In CE25‑28, the town presented photos and testimony showing a blocked driveway culvert at 14817 Snell Trail that impedes flow into the canal and causes flooding of surrounding properties. Property owner Peter Martz said he had hired excavators and used pumps to remove sand and road debris, but that high water levels and ongoing road maintenance complicated the work.
Public Works Superintendent Craig Lauer inspected the culvert with town code staff and found the pipe full of roots and debris; he testified the culvert must be fully cleared so water can flow through the entire pipe. Magistrate Barnard entered the town’s case file and found the respondent in violation of ULDC drainage sections; she gave Martz 30 days to clear the culvert (compliance deadline Jan. 2, 2026) and set a $250/day fine for noncompliance. The magistrate instructed the owner to document the work and request an inspection and affidavit of compliance when cleared.
