FAQs • Lancaster, TX • CivicEngage

There is a new construction work near to my lot and I am having drainage problems due to the construction. What can I do?: These situations are civil matters between the property owners. It does not violate city code for one lot to drain onto another, and you should try to perform work on your lot to help your yard drain more efficiently. It is against state code to divert or concentrate runoff, or block runoff from draining onto your property. We advise that you meet with your neighbor and discuss the problem to work toward a mutually agreeable solution. If this is not possible, consider grading swales on your property to convey the runoff around your home. If you still have drainage problems then contact the Development Services, Engineering division at (972) 218-1200.

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Engineering

1. What type of maintenance bond does the City require for construction of public improvements?: The City of Lancaster requires a two (2) year, 100% maintenance bond for all public improvements constructed in the city. Public improvements are streets, sidewalks, drainage facilities, and water and sewer lines. The city has a standard bond form.

2. How can I tell if my house or property is located within the floodplain?: The Development Services, Engineering Division maintains current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Letters of Map Revision. We also keep on file all drainage studies that may have been
completed on the various creeks within the City limits of Lancaster. Contact the Public Works Engineering Division at (972) 218-1206 with your address and we can help you determine whether or not your house or property are shown in the FEMA designated floodplain. For additional information please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website at http:www.fema.gov.

3. Can I build anything in an easement?: You should not construct any structures within an easement. Please contact the city at (972) 218-1200 for further clarification of your specific situation.

4. How do I get a survey of my property?: The city does not have surveys of private property. You will need to contact a surveyor to have one prepared.

5. Does the city have standard construction details?: Yes, for more information, please contact Development Services, Engineering Division at (972) 218-1200. Please visit the website for standard construction details. Click here

6. What does the 100-year flood" mean?: A one-hundred-year flood is calculated to be the level of flood water expected to be equaled or exceeded every 100 years on average. The 100-year flood is more accurately referred to as the 1% annual exceedance probability flood, since it is a flood that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any single year.

7. Who do I need to speak with to construct something in a floodplain?: Please contact Development Services, Engineering Division at (972) 218-1200 and they will forward your inquiry to the Floodplain Administrator. For additional information please visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website at http:www.fema.gov. Please contact the city at (972) 218-1200 for further clarification of your specific situation.

8. How do I get an elevation certificate?: The city does not provide elevation certificates. You may contact an engineer or surveyor of your choice to obtain an elevation certificate.

9. There is a new construction work near to my lot and I am having drainage problems due to the construction. What can I do?: These situations are civil matters between the property owners. It does not violate city code for one lot to drain onto another, and you should try to perform work on your lot to help your yard drain more efficiently. It is against state code to divert or concentrate runoff, or block runoff from draining onto your property. We advise that you meet with your neighbor and discuss the problem to work toward a mutually agreeable solution. If this is not possible, consider grading swales on your property to convey the runoff around your home. If you still have drainage problems then contact the Development Services, Engineering division at (972) 218-1200.

10. What is the construction schedule for a particular City project?: You may contact Public Works Engineering Division at (972) 218-1206 to request information on specific projects under construction within the City. You will need the street name, type of project, and a daytime phone number for the return call.

11. What is the process to submit plans for drainage review?: Come to the Development Services, Engineering Division at 700 E. Main Street to submit your water, waste water and sewer plans.

12. What is the turn around time on submitted plans?: From the date of plan submittal, the turn around time is 10 business days. However, the turn around time is contingent upon the submitted plans being complete with all the required items to help us complete a thorough review.