Fort Wayne grading permits required for earthwork over 50 cubic yards or slopes over 3 feet. Lots must drain to street or approved swale — water cannot be directed onto neighbors. Rule 5 applies at 1 acre disturbance. Final grading inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.
Grading and drainage are regulated under City Code Chapter 51 and UDO Chapter 157. Grading permits are required from Planning Services when earthwork exceeds 50 cubic yards, when slopes exceed 3 feet in height, or when drainage patterns are altered. Lots must be graded to shed water to the public street, drainage easement, or approved swale — Indiana common law and City Code both prohibit redirecting water onto adjacent properties beyond the natural drainage pattern. New home construction requires a final grading inspection and as-built certificate before Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Retaining walls over 4 feet require building permits and engineered design. Disturbances of 1 acre or more also trigger IDEM Rule 5.
Unpermitted grading: 500-2,500 dollar fines plus restoration. Drainage onto neighbor: civil liability plus code enforcement. No final grading inspection: CO withheld.
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