Help with utility easement/drainage ditch (house, fence, backyard)

[paith041]

We have a concrete drainage ditch that runs from the drain on the street alongside our house into a large easement/ditch that runs behind our house (and all the neighbors on our street). We just purchased the house last year and have zero lot lines on all three sides of our house. We "share" the side ditch with our neighbors and "own" the whole section of the ditch behind the house according to our survey. The house is 15 years old and I don't think anyone has added any dirt to the property. Soil erosion is very bad on the side of the house (it's the same way on the neighbor's) and will soon need to be fixed in the backyard as well. We're about to replace our fence and would like to also correct this problem. We'd like to add fill dirt, but because the ditch is so low, we'll end up with the same problem of the soil being washed away. Would we be able to contact the city to see if we could build up a wall of some type to even out the top of the ditch with the our property? Do you think the city could even be the ones to add the soil to our property since the set up of ditch is causing the erosion?

[ShaneSA]

You can always ask. Ask the city councilman first. Apply for a permit to build a wall that would elevate the property. If you get the permit, then go for it. If you ask the city councilman, then you will have someone with a bit of punch on your side when you apply for the permit.