Homeowner Resources

Resource Guides

We often receive questions regarding new & existing ponds, streambank erosion, wet backyards, and the purchase and development of rural lands. Explore each of the resource guides below for answers to commonly asked questions.

Ohio Drainage Laws

Because legal conflicts over water are on the rise in Ohio, it is important to have an understanding of our state’s water rights. Ohio’s Drainage Laws have adopted a doctrine of “reasonable use,” but what exactly does this mean? Simply stated, a landowner’s use of surface water must be reasonable and may not unreasonably interfere with another property.

There is no specific agency to police & enforce water rights. As such, disputes become a civil matter and are up to property owners to resolve, with the most extreme cases landing in court. Explore the documents below to learn more about water rights and violations of reasonable use.

Fairfield County Resident Resources

Development Requirements

All Construction projects may be subject to the EPA's General Construction Permits.

EPA: Fairfield County Contacts

US Army Corps of Engineers

Erosion Control Brochure

Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission

Violet Township

Liberty Township

City of Pickerington

City of Canal Winchester

Village of Lithopolis

City of Lancaster

Please contact all Villages and Townships directly if they are not linked to this page for erosion and sediment control and storm water regulations.

Development Requirements

All Construction projects may be subject to the EPA's General Construction Permits.

EPA: Fairfield County Contacts

US Army Corps of Engineers

Erosion Control Brochure

Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission

Violet Township

Liberty Township

City of Pickerington

City of Canal Winchester

Village of Lithopolis

City of Lancaster

Please contact all Villages and Townships directly if they are not linked to this page for erosion and sediment control and storm water regulations.

Storm Water Pollution Reduction

Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission: Storm Water Advisory and Educational Subcommittee Meeting Minutes.

The subcommittee typically meets in November.

What should you, as a landowner in an MS4 Community, know?

- Anything that enters a storm drain is eventually discharged UNTREATED into a local water body! Learn more about stormwater in our blog post, Only Rain Down the Drain.
- Don’t dump yard waste in streams and ditches.
- Use the right rate of fertilizer in your yard. Soil testing is offered at the local OSU Extension office.
- Pick-up-Poop: Don’t dump pet wastes in streams and ditches.
- Don’t dump oil or antifreeze.
- How to dispose of paint.
- Rain barrels and rain gardens.
- If you are regrading your property or building a new structure, you should stabilize the site and place protective devices to keep sediment from entering streams and ditches.
- Household Septic Aeration System Maintenance
  - Inside the City of Pickerington and Canal Winchester, contact Franklin County Public Health's Water Quality Program at (614) 525-3929 or visit their website.
  - All other residents should contact the Fairfield Department of Health—Environmental Health (740) 652-2813 or visit their website.
- Ohio Rain Garden Guide
- Looking for Stormwater resources?
- Ohio Drainage Laws

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permits

As of March 10, 2003, if your project disturbs one or more acres of ground, you must get a permit from the EPA to discharge stormwater from your site. If your project disturbs less than 1 acre but is part of a larger plan of development or sale, you also need a permit to discharge stormwater from the site.

Notice of Intent (EPA)

NPDES Information and Permits