Now that monsoon season is fast approaching (we certainly hope!) it’s time for the citizens of the Village to inspect the retention ponding on their properties, especially if you live west of Loma Larga on a sloped lot—but know that anywhere in the Village is subject to flooding. Because the Village of Corrales has no storm sewers, on-site stormwater retention is the method we use to help reduce that flood risk.
Property owners in Corrales are only responsible for retaining water from their impervious surfaces, such as any roofed or paved surfaces. Historical flows across land are allowed to continue, but you may choose to retain some of this water as well, for a number of reasons: to help recharge your well, water trees and other plantings, or simply to be a good neighbor to those who live “downstream”.
When folks west of Loma Larga construct something that will disturb more than 1,000 square feet of land, a grading and drainage plan (G & D) prepared by a New Mexico licensed engineer is required prior to a building permit being issued. Building pad sites must have a slope less than 15%, and driveways less than 8% slope. In Village Code Article V. Terrains and Stormwater Management, Section 18-165 (b) (2) contains the formula that will determine the minimum amount of stormwater your pond(s) must be able to contain. When an engineer prepares your G & D plan, he or she will work from this formula, as well as show how the stormwater will drain from your roofs and other surfaces and end up in the pond. It will also show areas of the lot that may have extreme slopes.
Please take a peek at your ponding and ensure that it has not silted in or become otherwise inoperable. Help protect yours and your neighbor’s property, and yourself from liability with some easy steps. Even if you’re not planning on building, the Village of Corrales Planning and Zoning Department has certified floodplain managers who would be happy to make suggestions on how to help lessen the chance of flooding and erosion on your property.
The Village of Corrales also participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance program. All citizens, regardless of where they live in the Village, are eligible for reduced flood insurance rates. Typically, house insurance does not cover losses due to flooding. Check with your agent. The Planning and Zoning Office, for a small fee, can provide you with a flood zone certification upon which your rate will be based.
-Planning and Zoning Department