The stormwater system within the City of Lebanon is a complex network of engineered swales, pipes, ponds, channels, water quality devices and outlets to the creeks.

The responsibility for maintaining these stormwater facilities is divided among homeowners, neighborhood associations, commercial property owners, the City, County, and State authorities as follows:

• Roof and foundation drains: These drains, along with the gutters, downspouts and any pipes which connect them to the community’s storm sewer system, are the building owner’s responsibility.
• Driveway pipes and culverts: These are typically the property owner’s responsibility.
• Drainage swales: These are the responsibility of the property owner unless the swale is specifically designated as a public or municipal drainage easement.
• Pipes and culverts underneath roadways: The owner of the road assumes responsibility for these facilities. On private roads, or on newer neighborhoods where the roads have not yet been accepted by the city, it is the property owner’s responsibility. On public roads, it is the responsibility of either the city, County, or the State.
• Stream channels: Most if not all local creeks and ditches within the city limits are regulated drains which are maintained by the Boone County Surveyor’s Office. Regulated Drains typically consist of the drainage channel, banks and a top of bank easement area which can extend up to seventy-five feet on each side.
• Catch basins and curb inlets: The owner of the road along which catch basins are situated is responsible for maintaining them. That could be either the City, State, developer, or the owners of a private roadway or parking lot where basins and cub inlets are installed.
• Water quality devices or BMPs: The most used is a hydrodynamic separator, these separate floatable trash and sediment from the stormwater flow. They are often used in larger commercial sites and residential neighborhoods. They are the responsibility of the property owner. BMP stands for Best Management Practice and is used to describe facilities or practices that minimize the effects of stormwater runoff, prevent erosion and capture pollution.
• Detention facilities: Detention ponds are also a water quality facility or BMP. They allow sediment and other pollutants to settle out the water and collect at the bottom of the pond. Detention ponds in residential areas are typically the responsibility of the neighborhood homeowner’s association. Detention facilities in non-residential areas are normally the responsibility of the private establishments they serve. Developers are typically responsible for detention pond maintenance in newly developing areas until they are turned over to the homeowner’s association. In all cases the deeded owner is responsible for maintenance of the pond.
• Annual inspections and reporting: The City of Lebanon Stormwater Ordinance requires that the facilities be maintained in good condition and an annual inspection completed. A copy of each inspection report is to be provided to the City of Lebanon MS4 Program Coordinator. Additional information including inspection guidelines will be added here. Currently they can be found in the City of Lebanon Stormwater Technical Manual. During 2025, all privately owned pond and BMP owners will be notified of these responsibilities. Inspections and reporting will be required by the end of the year.

Here are two short videos to help understand the purpose and maintenance responsibilities of the ponds in your neighborhood.

Stormwater Pond Maintenance for Homeowners – YouTube

Why Is There a Pond in My Backyard – Maintenance Requirements for Detention & Retention Basins – YouTube