Title 15 - Public Improvements

15.10.300 Lakes and Ponds.

In addition to the Standards, private lakes and ponds in subdivisions shall conform to the following minimum standards, which have been established to limit routine maintenance expenses experienced by the private lake and pond owners.

1. A.
   The minimum surface area is two acres per lake or pond, with the minimum maintained depth of four feet, or ten feet if intended to support fish, except that decorative water features not serially connected to the storm drainage system of the development are exempt from the minimum area requirement. Minimum depth and surface area requirements are not applicable to all or portions of such facilities designed as a stormwater treatment facility. Design requirements for stormwater treatment facilities are set forth under 16.210;
2. B.
   Design priority must be given for ease of removing accumulations of silt, including access for equipment and trucks, drainage of the lake or pond if feasible;
3. C.
   Plans for lakes and ponds must be approved by the City Engineer and include emergency spillway design in accordance with state law and the Standards, and provisions for suitable soil testing for dam and lake or pond construction;
4. D.
   Necessary state approvals and permits are to be obtained by the developer; and
5. E.
   An agreement running with the land must be executed by the applicant and approved by the Law Department declaring that the City has no past, present or future obligation to expend any public funds or to take any other action to maintain or improve the lake, lakes, pond, or ponds, including any inlet or outlet structures, or any portion of the drainage facilities approved by private facilities. This agreement must require that funds be collected from property owners sufficient to pay for the maintenance of lake, pond and storm sewer facilities.

(History: Ord. SWM-3426 §2, 2024; ​​​​​​​Ord. SWM-2853 §4, 2010; SWM-2668 §4, 2008; SWM-2505 §1, 2004)

Effective on: 1/1/1901