Drainage Ditch Obstructions or Structures.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 115-9
in effect115-9. Drainage Ditch Obstructions or Structures.
1. PERMIT REQUIRED. No person shall construct any building, structure or dike, or reconstruct, alter, or repair any building, structure, or dike, or otherwise obstruct the flow of streamwater through any natural or man-made channel, or obstruct the flow of surface water through any natural or man-made channel, natural depression or natural draw through which surface waters normally flow unless a permit has been obtained from the commissioner of public works.
2. APPLICATION. a. Any person desiring to obtain a permit to construct any building, structure or dike, or reconstruct, alter or repair any building, structure, or dike, which obstructs the flow of streamwater through any watercourse or natural or manmade channel, or obstructs the flow of surface water through any natural or man-made channel, natural depression or natural draw, through which surface waters normally flow, shall file an application in writing with the commissioner of public works which shall state the following:
a-1. The name and address of the applicant, and, if the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of the principal officers thereof.
a-2. The place where such construction, reconstruction, repair or alteration is to take place.
a-3. The type of construction to be used in such construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration, together with the materials to be used.
b. Accompanying such application shall be a site plan or drawing of the proposed work, which shall include information concerning existing ground elevations and proposed alterations to be made to the watercourse, or natural, or man-made channel, depression, or natural draw. If the commissioner of public works determines that the proposed structure, alteration, or repair will not interfere with the flow of natural storm water and will not injure adjoining property, he shall issue a permit to do the proposed work in the manner specified in the application and in accordance with the plan submitted with the application. The applicant, at the time of filing an application for any such permit, shall deposit the fee required in s. 81-44 with the commissioner of public works.
3. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. Whenever the flow of stream water through any watercourse or natural or man-made channel is obstructed, or the flow of surface water through any natural or man-made channel, natural depression or natural draw, through which any surface waters normally flow, is obstructed to the extent that such obstructions causes or will cause, in the opinion of the commissioner of public works, a damage or flooding of any public highway, or a surcharging with storm, ground or surface water or any sanitary sewer, or damage or flood or water soak any public property, the commissioner of public works is authorized to enter upon such private land to remove any such obstruction so as to provide for the free flow of water therein. If, in the judgment of the commissioner of public works, negligence is involved, the cost of this work may be charged to the property owner.
4. PENALTY. Any person, firm or corporation violating this section shall upon conviction thereof be subject to penalties as provided in s. 200-19.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH115.pdf#page=8Fetched: 10/26/2026