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Staff member outlines property responsibilities for Smyrna drainage easements
Summary
A Town of Smyrna staff member explained what drainage easements are, described town and property-owner responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, warned against placing permanent structures in easements, and gave contact information for Public Works and Planning.
A staff member for the Town of Smyrna explained that drainage easements on private property allow storm water to flow through ditches, pipes and other drainage structures and permit the town to inspect and repair public drainage infrastructure. "A drainage easement is a designated area on private property that allows storm water to safely flow through ditches, pipes, and other drainage structures," the staff member said.
The speaker said the town is responsible for inspecting, maintaining and making structural or erosion repairs to culverts, head walls, storm pipes and drainage channels, while property owners must handle routine maintenance inside easements. The staff member listed routine duties including regularly mowing and edging grass, clearing brush, removing trees and saplings that can obstruct water flow, and picking up litter and other debris to prevent backups and neighborhood flooding.
The staff member warned that overgrown vegetation, fallen limbs and debris can slow water flow, clog culverts and storm drains, and carry materials into local streams, lakes and rivers. Residents were advised to avoid placing permanent improvements such as fences, sheds, retaining walls and landscaping features within drainage easements because they can interfere with storm water flow and may prevent the town from accessing the area for maintenance or emergency repairs; the speaker noted that even open-style fencing, such as chain link, can collect debris and create drainage problems.
For questions about whether a property contains a drainage easement or about stormwater maintenance responsibilities, the staff member directed residents to contact the Town of Smyrna Public Works department or the Planning department, noting that staff can review subdivision plats to identify drainage, utility and access easements on a property. "If you have questions about drainage easements, stormwater maintenance responsibilities, or would like to determine whether your property contains a drainage easement, please contact the Town of Smyrna Public Works department or the Planning department," the staff member said.
