Department Functions / Responsibilities:

• To assist the public with drainage questions and/or problems.
• Inspection and final acceptance of new subdivision construction.
• Manage road/drainage capital projects.
• Manage street repaving and curb cuts.
• Coordinate installation of speed humps.
• Routine maintenance of traffic signs and markings.

Drainage Problems

Routine maintenance issues such as blocked drainage inlets should be brought to the attention of the Street Department (256-341-4743). Drainage concerns should be referred to the Engineering Department or by submitting a request through Decatur Direct.

The department will inspect the complaint and either coordinate with the Street Department to resolve the issue or add to the list of capital projects.

Final Acceptance of New Subdivision Construction

The procedures for final acceptance of new subdivision construction are as follows:

1. After a subdivision has been approved by the Planning Commission and construction has begun, the following inspection schedule should be used. The City Engineer or his representative shall be present to observe the existing conditions:

   • After completion of subgrade
   • After installation of first layer of base with curb & gutter.
   • After installation of second layer of base.
   • After installation of binder course.
2. When the owner’s engineer has ascertained that all construction has been completed in accordance with plans approved for subdivision construction, he will request final inspection by the City Engineer. The owner’s engineer will furnish a composite record of inspection and testing to the City Engineer at the time of request for final inspection.
3. The City Engineer will perform final inspection of streets, storm drainage and site grading, accompanied by the owner’s engineer and contractor’s representative. He will concur with approval of the streets, storm drainage and site grading, or state the remaining requirements. He will perform reinspections as necessary.
4. The City Engineer will coordinate with all Utilities Departments to ascertain that utilities are complete, serviceable, and acceptable to the respective departments.
5. The City Engineer will then coordinate installation of street signs and traffic control devices with the Traffic Signs & Markings Manager. 
6. A maintenance bond in the amount and duration as described in Section VII Plats and Data, paragraph C.4. of the Subdivision Regulations of the City of Decatur shall be submitted to the City Engineer.
7. After completion of all above-described prerequisites, the City Engineer will recommend, and the City Council will accept by resolution, in regular or called meetings, the streets, storm drainage, site grading and utilities for public use and maintenance by the City of Decatur.

Street Repaving

Potholes should be reported to the Street Department (256-341-4743). Streets that need repaving should be brought to the attention of the City Engineer’s Office by calling or submitting a request through Decatur Direct. The department will inspect the street and add it to the repaving list if warranted.

Curb Cuts

Persons wishing to cut or break the curb for driveways, entrances, exits, etc., must obtain permission from the Engineering Department.
Reference: Section 25-5, CODE OF DECATUR

Traffic Signs & Markings

To report downed signs or low-visibility striping, contact the Traffic Signs & Markings Manager (256-341-4662) or fill out the Engineering Concern Form.