Several new homebuyers, including Steve Alexander of Bel Air and Karen L. Battenfeld and Mark E. Locklear of Joppa, have been aggravated by water runoff problems on their lots. Their complaints include standing or pooling water, damage to grass, soil erosion and damp basements. All these problems may have been caused by improper site grading, which allows water to accumulate, seep into basements or create gullies.

The homebuilders have been unable or unwilling to address the water problems satisfactorily. Our readers ask, "Where do we go from here?"

Homebuilders are required to grade their lots to allow surface water to run off without causing erosion and with positive drainage away from the homes. These drainage or sediment-control requirements are established and enforced by the county in which the property is located. The county enforces its sediment-control regulations and can compel builders to take corrective action where county standards are not met.

Gullies and ponds created by rainwater runoff may violate county grading standards. Dissatisfied homeowners can contact their local county sediment-control department. Usually, the county will dispatch an inspector to assess the problem and notify the builder if regrading is necessary.

In Baltimore County, inspectors for sediment control can be reached at 410-887-3226. In Harford County, sediment-control inspectors can be contacted by calling 410-638-3128. If possible, arrange to meet the inspector personally to explain and point out the drainage problems.

Local jurisdictions in Maryland usually respond promptly to homeowner complaints about erosion and improper drainage, especially in new subdivisions, where builders or developers are still working and are subject to county control.

In Baltimore County, buyers of new homes have one year to file a complaint and an additional year after the complaint has been acted upon by the builder.

Pub Date: 12/20/98