Responsibilities & Frequently Asked Questions
Effective stormwater management is a shared responsibility between the City of Chattanooga and property owners. This page explains who is responsible for maintaining different parts of the stormwater system and answers common questions from residents.
City Responsibilities
The City of Chattanooga is responsible for the public stormwater system and for meeting local, state, and federal water quality requirements.
Public Infrastructure
Maintenance of stormwater pipes, catch basins, and culverts located within public streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or designated public easements.
Roadway Drainage
Maintenance of roadside ditches and storm drains to reduce flooding and keep public streets passable.
Environmental Compliance
Compliance with state and federal regulations, including EPA and TDEC requirements, to reduce pollution in local creeks, streams, and rivers.
System Integrity
Addressing significant erosion that threatens public roads, utilities, or other City-owned infrastructure.
Planning and Regulation
Reviewing subdivision and development plans and issuing permits to ensure new construction meets stormwater standards.
Property Owner Responsibilities
Property owners are responsible for private stormwater infrastructure and for managing drainage on their own property.
Private Infrastructure
Maintenance of driveway culverts (pipes under driveways), yard drains, gutters, and downspouts.
Natural Drainage Features
Keeping natural swales, ditches, and channels on the property clear of debris, leaves, grass clippings, and brush to prevent blockages.
Discharge of Water
Ensuring that water from downspouts, sump pumps, or other drainage features does not discharge onto neighboring properties or into the street in a manner that causes damage, flooding, or ice hazards.
Drainage Easements
When a drainage easement exists on private property, the land remains privately owned. Property owners are responsible for routine maintenance, such as mowing and debris removal, and generally may not place fences, sheds, or other obstructions within the easement.
Stormwater Control Measures
If a property or homeowners association has a detention pond, rain garden, or other stormwater control measure, the owner or HOA is legally responsible for inspection and long-term maintenance in accordance with the recorded maintenance agreement.
Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City maintain drainage easements on private property?
No. A drainage easement allows the City access or ensures water can flow through the property, but routine maintenance remains the responsibility of the property owner unless otherwise stated in a recorded agreement.
My neighbor’s runoff is flowing onto my property. Can the City resolve this?
Drainage issues between private properties are generally considered civil matters under Tennessee law.
Lower properties typically must accept naturally flowing water from higher ground. If runoff has been illegally redirected, the issue must be addressed between property owners.
Who is responsible for the pipe under my driveway?
The property owner is responsible for the installation and maintenance of driveway culverts. Keeping these pipes clear helps prevent roadway flooding and property damage.
Can structures be placed in drainage swales or easements?
Structures that block the flow of water or prevent access for maintenance are generally not allowed.
Property owners may be required to remove obstructions that cause drainage problems or flooding.
Why should yard waste not be placed in ditches or storm drains?
Leaves, grass clippings, and brush can block drainage systems and contribute to localized flooding. Yard waste can also degrade water quality in local streams and rivers.
Quick Reference Guide
| Feature | City Responsibility | Property Owner Responsibility |
| Storm drains in public streets | Yes | No |
| Driveway culvert pipes | No | Yes |
| Ditches and swales on private property | No | Yes |
| Erosion on private property | No | Yes |
| Flooding on public roads | Yes | No |
| Pipes in public easements | Yes | No |
| Gutters and downspouts | No | Yes |
Helpful Reminders
- Review your property deed or subdivision plat to identify any drainage easements
- Do not fill in ditches or block natural drainage paths, as this can cause flooding and may result in liability.
- Call 811 before beginning any excavation or drainage work to locate underground utilities.
- Report flooding, sinkholes, or blocked drainage on public streets to the City of Chattanooga Stormwater Division.
Proper stormwater management helps protect homes, roads, and local waterways. The City appreciates residents’ cooperation in maintaining a safe and functional drainage system.
