Private Lot Drainage
Durham County often receives questions and complaints related to flooding and drainage, especially during heavy rain. While the County does not currently own or maintain stormwater infrastructure like ditches or culverts, the Stormwater Division can help residents identify who is responsible, whether that is the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), a homeowners association, an active construction site or a private property owner.
DurhamMaps is a City-County GIS mapping collaboration that is accessible to the public and offers jurisdiction, FEMA floodplain, topography, watershed, and impervious surface data layers. To access DurhamMaps, visit https://maps.durhamnc.gov.
In general, the property owner where a drainage system is located is responsible for its maintenance. This includes all parts of the drainage system, such as ditches, stream banks, and underground pipes.Keeping drainage systems clear is essential to prevent flooding. Do not put lawn waste (leaves, branches, grass clippings) or other materials in ditches or streams, as they can block water flow and cause flooding on your property or nearby areas. Remove any blockages promptly to reduce flood risk.”
Please visit our Stormwater Glossary for helpful definitions related to stormwater and flooding.
Drainage FAQs
When does flooding happen?
Flooding happens when water covers areas that are usually dry. While heavy rainfall is a common cause, other factors include melting snow or ice, rising groundwater, proximity to waterways (streams, rivers and lakes), blocked ditches or culverts, and increased paved (impervious) surfaces in the area.
These types of flooding can be difficult to predict and are the most common natural disasters related to weather.
The most dangerous kind of flooding is a flash flood. Flash floods happen very quickly—often within minutes of heavy rainfall—when the ground can’t absorb water fast enough. They can also occur when dry creeks or streams suddenly fill or overflow. Because of their speed and power, flash floods leave very little time to issue warnings or take protective action.
What is a floodplain?
During storms, water levels in streams, rivers, and lakes can rise and flood nearby land, known as floodplains. The risk depends on how much rain falls, how hard it rains, and how long the storm lasts.
To help protect communities, the U.S. Geological Survey monitors water levels and issues alerts. FEMA also maps areas at risk of flooding through Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), which can be viewed on Durham Maps.
Are there regulations on floodplains?
Floodplain rules provide a safe place for rising flood waters. The County reduces flooding by preserving natural floodplains in developed areas. These natura floodplains prevent property damage, protects drinking water, and supports wildlife habitat. Along with other measures, these rules are also required to make federally subsidized flood insurance available to Durham residents. To qualify for federal flood insurance, Durham follows these rules through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). If you plan to build or place anything in a FEMA-mapped floodplain—even fences, trails, sheds, or picnic tables—you may need a permit. It is important to keep floodplains clear of items that could float downstream in a flood and cause damage. This means that items such as swimming pools, sheds, and picnic tables also require permits to make sure they are properly anchored in place.
Who is responsible for maintaining ditches and culverts in the right of way?
NCDOT is responsible for maintenance of the drainage systems within the right of way. If you have a blocked driveway culvert, debris in a drainage ditch, or other water related issues in the right of way, please contact NCDOT. To report a drainage issue, use their form here. If you have a blocked culvert, use this NCDOT form.
How do I know if my property is located within a FEMA floodplain?
Please visit DurhamMaps and view the "FEMA Flood Zones" layer to determine if your property is located within a floodplain.
Who do I contact if I see illegal dumping of debris or other materials in a stormwater system, ditch, or stream?
If your property is located in Durham County, please contact our team at 919-560-7006 or stormwater@dconc.gov. If your property is located within City limits, please contact City Stormwater at 919-560-SWIM (7946).
Who do I contact for concerns regarding a beaver dam?
- NC wildlife resource commission initiated a Beaver Management Assistance Program to provide assistance with beaver damage and beaver related flooding. Please visit their website here: https://www.ncwildlife.gov/wildlife-habitat/species/beaver/have-beaver-problem
helpful links for drainage assistance:
If you are experiencing a life threatening drainage or flooding emergency, please dial 911.
NCDOT: Report Culvert or Ditch Related Flooding
To report drainage issues within the right of way, submit a drainage issue form to initiate a request. Submit a culvert blockage form to report a blocked culvert or ditch.
Floodplain Development
In Durham, the development of floodplains is governed by the Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards within the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 3.21 and 8.4. Disturbing land in a FEMA-designated floodplain necessitates a floodplain development permit. For questions regarding FEMA floodplain on your property, visit Floodplain Development's website or send them an email at DSCFloodplain@durhamnc.gov.
City of Durham Drainage Assistance
If your property is located inside City of Durham limits, please visit their website for more information on their drainage assistance program, or email them at SSDDrainage@durhamnc.gov.
