For a privately owned commercial property, responsibility typically rests with the property owner or the entity designated to operate and maintain the stormwater system. In a shared development, that may be the property owners’ association, condominium association, community development district, or another entity named in the permit or operation-and-maintenance plan. A property manager or tenant may handle routine tasks if an agreement assigns them that role, but that doesn’t necessarily transfer the owner’s underlying responsibility.

Public agencies generally maintain systems they own or have formally accepted for maintenance; don’t assume the city is responsible for drains and basins on private property. Check the site’s permit, O&M plan, recorded agreements, and leases to confirm who is responsible for inspections, cleaning, repairs, and documentation.

Learn more about Storm Drain Cleaning.