Grading in Lee County must control erosion and cannot dump drainage onto a neighbor. Sites disturbing an acre fall under ADEM's stormwater permit, and Alabama law bars unreasonably diverting surface water onto adjoining property.
Reshaping land in Lee County engages two layers. Grading that disturbs one acre or more, or that alters a stormwater system, requires ADEM Construction General Permit coverage under Chapter 335-6-12 with erosion controls in place. Separately, Alabama applies a reasonableness standard to surface water: a landowner may not unreasonably collect and discharge runoff onto a neighbor's property. Auburn, Opelika, and the county review grading and drainage plans on subdivisions and site development, requiring swales and detention that keep water off adjoining lots and out of Saugahatchee and Chewacla Creeks. Retaining walls generally need a separate structural permit. Improper grading that floods a neighbor creates civil liability.
Grading that creates an unpermitted stormwater discharge or diverts runoff onto a neighbor violates ADEM's rules and Alabama surface-water law, bringing enforcement, corrective regrading, and civil liability for flood damage.
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Lee County, AL
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Lee County, AL
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Lee County, AL
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Lee County, AL
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Lee County, AL
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Lee County, AL
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