What is a Drainage Protection Review?
Who is required to have a Drainage Protection Review?
Do I need a Drainage Protection Review before applying for a building permit?
I am building on to my existing house, do I need to go through this process?
How long does the process take?
How do I apply?
What information do I need before filling out my application?

What is a Drainage Protection Review?

House Bill 25 became law in the fall of 2003 giving counties with building regulations the authority to require drainage site reviews on large lot (5 acres or more) building sites. Delaware County began implementation of this law in April 2005 that was designed to head off future drainage problems for the homeowner and adjacent landowners that might result from the building process. This review process does not apply to any property that has been approved by the county platting authority (Regional Planning) under section 711.05, 711.09, 711.10 or 711.131 of the Ohio Revised Code. In other words, platted subdivision lots and no-plat subdivision lots presently being reviewed through that process will be exempt from these proposed regulations.

For the owner of a 5 acre or more lot, this means that no building permit application shall be accepted and no building permit shall be issued until a review of the specific effects of the proposed new construction on existing surface and subsurface drainage has been completed by the Board of Delaware County Commissioners and/or anyone they appoint for the purpose of conducting such reviews. Specifically, the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District [DSWCD] has been appointed by the Board of Delaware County Commissioners to conduct the inspections required for these reviews and to make evaluations about what, if any, alterations are necessary to prevent or correct any adverse effects that a proposed new construction may have on existing surface or subsurface drainage.

Please keep in mind that the builder or the landowner will need to initiate the Drainage Protection Review Application process prior to the building permit application process. So, this will add a stop to the DSWCD to the ones the builder or the landowner already makes to the zoning office and health department. Once the application is made, we will schedule an on-site visit which we ask that the builder and/or the landowner attend. DSWCD employees Milt Link and/or Larry Starling will be doing the field and paper work for this program, and will make every effort to conduct these site evaluations in a timely fashion, generally within ten work days. The fee structure is $75 for the site visit/report, and an additional $75 inspection fee only for those sites requiring inspection, mitigation or alterations of the existing drainage system during the building process. A $75 reinspection fee charge will be levied for repeated inspections for a mitigation or alteration practice due to the failure of an installer to complete the practice satisfactorily. Fees will be paid to Delaware County Code Compliance along with building permit fees.

Who is required to have a Drainage Protection Review?

A Drainage Protection Review is required for any construction that needs a building permit on a lot of 5 or more acres. At this time, additions to existing houses are not being reviewed. They are, however, covered by the State law so additions may be reviewed in the future.

Do I need a Drainage Protection Review before applying for a building permit?

Yes, the Drainage Protection Review process must be completed BEFORE applying for a building permit.

I am building on to my existing house, do I need to go through this process?

At this time, additions to existing houses are not being reviewed. They are, however, covered by the State law so additions may be reviewed in the future.

How long does the process take?

State laws requires the process start no sooner than 7 days and is completed no later than 30 days from receipt of application. Delaware County Drainage Protection Reviews take an average of 7-10 days from receipt of application.

How do I apply?

The applicant either brings a completed form into the Delaware SWCD Office or fills one out in our office. At that time, an appointment is arranged 7 or more days from the date the application is received. A meeting confirmation notice will then be mailed to you which you should receive within 3 to 5 days. When filling out the application, it is necessary to bring your contact information (Name, Mailing Address, Phone numbers) and Site Information (Site Address and Parcel Identification Number). It is also suggested that you bring a site plan/sketch along so that the locations of buildings, driveways, etc. can be reviewed before the appointment.

What information do I need before filling out my application?

When filling out the application, it is necessary to bring your contact information (Name, Mailing Address, Phone numbers) and Site Information (Site Address and Parcel Identification Number). It is also suggested that you bring a site plan/sketch along so that the locations of buildings, driveways, etc. can be reviewed before the appointment.