Legislation to allow officials to review drainage systems

COLUMBUS -- County commissioners would be able to review the effects new residential construction may have on existing drainage systems, under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Bob Taft.
The new law, which takes effect 90 days after it's filed with the secretary of state's office, says that new drainage regulations in county building laws can't be more stringent or broader in scope than standards adopted by the federal Natural Resource Conservation Service or the Environmental Protection Agency for stemming storm water runoff.
State Rep. Bob Gibbs, a Holmes County Republican and the law's chief sponsor, said the proposal is necessary.
"In the subdivisions, they already have the authority," said Gibbs of Lakeville. "But in the nonplatted areas, there are no drainage regulations."
Under the new law, county commissioners, in trying to enforce new drainage regulations, could work with the county engineer or another qualified person to carry out inspections.
A violation of county building regulations can result in a fine of up to $300, under state law. Each day illegal construction continues could be considered a separate offense.
The Ohio House passed the proposal in March by a 96-0 vote. It passed the Senate in June by a 32-0 vote. The House approved Senate changes to the law later in June.