Village Newsletter 

Read the complete  April, 2011 Newsletter (pdf)

It’s spring! And while the warmer weather is a welcome change, it also brings those April showers -- following a winter of precipitation. As a result, the saturated soil can often result in drainage problems.

The Deal with Drainage

It comes down to this: in general, the natural flow of water can’t be impeded. If a piece of property had a drainage issue when it was purchased, the problem can’t be solved by redirecting the water onto the neighbor’s land. And property owners can’t change their land in such a manner that it creates a new drainage problem for the neighbors. But there are ways to properly address drainage challenges -- depending on the cause.

Common Drainage Problems (And Solutions)

Water flows along a grade. And changing that grade -- the height and slope of the land -- can change the way water flows onto or off of property. For this reason, any grade variation that affects lot drainage or exceeds four inches requires review and approval from the Village’s Development Department. Here are a few common causes of drainage problems -- and how the Village is addressing them:

Landscaping

Landscaping near property lines (including adding mulch or wood chips) is a frequent cause of drainage problems. If any proposed landscaping work will affect the nature of drainage on your lot or otherwise change any elevations more than four inches you’ll need to submit a landscaping plan for permit to the Development Department for review and approval before you start any work.

New Construction

New construction tends to reduce the amount of “pervious surface” on a lot (that is, land that can absorb water), and sometimes this results in drainage problems. The Village’s Infill Construction Ordinance is designed help, ensuring that developers account for storm water on the property. Requirements for construction of new homes and substantial additions, include:

• Notification of the adjacent neighbors to gather specific knowledge of drainage in the area.
• An on site drainage system connected to the Village’s storm sewer.
• Extension of the storm sewer system if it is not directly adjacent but within 200 feet of the property.
• Post-construction topographic survey to verify that the project was built according to the approved design.

Sump Pump Drainage

Sump pump discharge can be a problem if it flows into the neighbor’s yard. New sump pumps are required to be directly connected to a storm sewer if one is adjacent to the property. If a storm sewer is not available, the discharge location must be in a place that will not create a nuisance for your neighbor. Once again, you’ll need a permit for any work associated with a new or existing sump pump discharge.

Village Cost-Sharing Programs

In August 2010, the Village Board approved the final Flood Risk Reduction Program, developed under the leadership of the Storm Water Task Force, a team of 16 Glenview residents created to help the Village address storm water problems. In addition to several major flood improvement projects, two cost-sharing initiatives were approved to help homeowners reduce the likelihood of flooding. Funds are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Overhead sanitary sewer conversions. Homes with old gravity sanitary sewer services are susceptible to sewage back-up. Converting to an overhead system can greatly reduce this risk. Through this initiative, the Village and the homeowner each pay 50 percent of the cost of this conversion -- up to a total project cost of $15,000 (that means that the Village will pay up to $7,500 of the cost).
• Holistic drainage inspection conducted by the Village’s consulting engineering firm Baxter & Woodman. This inspection should provide homeowners with a better understanding of the work, costs and steps involved in flood-proofing their homes or making drainage improvements. Through this initiative, the Village and the homeowner each pay 50 percent of the $800 cost of this inspection (that means that the Village will pay $400). In addition, the Village will waive up to $200 in permit fees should the homeowner undertake the recommended improvements.

For more information, call (847) 904-4340 -- or log onto site.

The Village also offers a cost-sharing Rain Garden Program. Any proposed rain garden with a drainage benefit and a strong native planting plan may be eligible for a Village grant of 50 percent of the project costs up to $1,000. Call the number above with questions -- or visit www.glenview.il.us/departments/development/inspectional/rain_garden.shtml.