Description
I just had to spend $200+ to have roots from Crepe Myrtles on City property, rotor-rooted out of the sewer line at my house. My neighbors are having the same problem. I would like to talk to someone about what can be done about the trees. Thanks.
6 Comments
me (Guest)
Acknowledged City of Raleigh 3 (Verified Official)
I have referred your issue to the City's Urban Forestry Department. When they have responded I will post an update. Regarding the City's policy on service lines:
Public Utilities policy has been that the customer is responsible in this situation primarily because most residences in older portions of the City do not have a sewer cleanout at the right-of-way. Without this cleanout, we cannot access the service line because the access points would be a cleanout near the customer’s foundation or within a crawl space, both of which are private property. The customer may elect to maintain their service from their clean out near the structure or to install a clean out at the property line (at their expense) through a licensed plumber. However, if the customer can demonstrate to the City via their plumber that the service line is broken between the right-of-way and the main (in the roadway area) then the City will renew this portion of the service line at their expense. If a clean out exists at the right-of-way, then the City can verify the break between this point and the main and again, renew this portion of the service line. Should the customer’s service line come out of the residence to an easement (dedicated portions of private, customer owned property), the entire service line from the residence to the main is the customer’s responsibility.
City of Raleigh 3 (Verified Official)
Closed City of Raleigh 3 (Verified Official)
Reopened Lilly (Registered User)
Closed City of Raleigh 3 (Verified Official)
None of this was intended to be dismissive, nor is there any legalese in there, both the policies were clearly identified with the specific Department responsible for them, and all the notes were written by one person who is not in any of these departments. These are long-standing City policies which we are trying to take the time to explain. The first note explains why in older areas of town the citizens of the entire city cannot accept the responsibility to clear clogs in service lines to individual homes. The second explains why we don't cut street trees down throughout the City when there are sewer line conflicts and who is responsible for root damage on either side of the property line. Even with all that said, if you or your plumber has evidence that the clog you were required to clear was in the right-of-way and caused by a city street tree, you can contact the Risk Management division as the phone number provided below and make a claim to be reimbursed. If the clog was on private property, the cost to fix it is a burden that every property owner in the city is required to bear for private service lines, whether or not the roots emanated from a tree located in the right-of-way. Similarly, if a neighbor has a tree in their yard and an overhanging branch falls and causes damage on your property, your insurance company bears the cost.
The opportunity to make a claim is the solution we have offered based on the information you have provided. This is a solution that is consistent with policies that apply to everyone equally. If your plumber can show that there is a break in the line in the right-of-way, you can request repair of the line in the right-of-way in accordance with the policy outlined in the note below. Contact the Public Utilities Department at 919-996-4540, or via email at publicutilityinfo@raleighnc.gov.