Drain Use Permits
Drain Use Permits
Permit Fees
Landowner permit applications: $50.00
Utility companies and larger projects are to contact the O.C.W.R.C. office to determine fees per the scope of the project.
A Drain Use Permit Application is required whenever working within the drain, or drain easement. Examples of activities requiring a permit include, but are not limited to: installing or replacing culvert crossings, adding discharge pipes to the drain, and directional drilling.
All disturbed areas are required to be restored to the Authorized Public Agency Standards under section 324.9110 of Part 91.
Sizing of Culverts
Road side culverts should be sized by the Ottawa County Road Commission at 616-842-5400. Culverts not along the roadside will require an engineer to size.
The permit application must be completely filled out, and accompanied with a detailed plan or sketch outlining the proposed activity and a copy of the contractors insurance certificate naming the Water Resources Commissioner and the drainage district as additionally insured. Your application will not be processed without the required information.
Remember: Issuance of the Drain Use Permit does not alleviate you from obtaining other necessary permits.
Landowner Responsibility
Private Drive Approaches
Private roads, driveways and driveway approaches are privately owned by landowners or collectively under an association.
The maintenance of all private driveway/road approaches is to be maintained by the owner from the outside edge of the road shoulder or curb line to the edge of the road right of way line.
Culverts
Maintaining culverts under the roads/bridges that allow the water flow to continue through county drains, as failing culverts can be detrimental to the public’s safety.
The drains that are under the County’s jurisdiction are continuously inspected, evaluated, and repaired/replaced, when found necessary.
Driveways/drive approaches or culverts beneath them are not maintained by the county, these are privately owned and are the responsibility of the landowner for all maintenance, including repair/replacement and clean out of the driveway culvert.
Permits are necessary to do any repairs or replacement of driveway culverts.
Below are the permits required and information on how to obtain them:
- Drain Use Permit – Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner Dept: 616-994-4526
- Driveway/Culvert repair permits – Road Commission’s Special Services Dept: 616-842-5400