The Engineering Division is responsible for the overall planning, design and construction of public improvements such as streets, bridges, traffic control, sidewalks, and water and sewer mains within the corporate limits. The division also reviews and approves plats and improvement plans for new subdivisions and private developments; administers the storm water and floodplain management programs; and provides infrastructure and navigational aid support to Middletown Regional Airport/Hook Field.
Traffic Engineering Traffic engineering is responsible for the installation and management of all traffic control devices throughout the City, including signage, traffic signals and timing, pavement markings and channelization.
Storm Water The City of Middletown has developed a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) as required by the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Rules. This plan is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants and protect water quality and meet requirements of the Clean Water Act.
Residential and business owners have a separate charge on their monthly utility bill, with the revenues earmarked solely for storm water purposes. Residents of Middletown pay $3.25 per month per equivalent residential unit (ERU) (or 2,814 square feet of impervious surface - surfaces that do not absorb water) for the storm water utility. Businesses pay a fee based on the proportional amount of impervious surface on their property. Impervious surfaces include roofs, parking lots, sidewalks, etc.
Nonresidential property owners who have paid their fees may apply for an adjustment if they believe the ERU component of the fee to be incorrect. In addition, non residential property owners may qualify for a credit if they can demonstrate that their existing or proposed storm water facilities provide a cost savings to the City that it would otherwise incur as part of its storm water management efforts.
Public Right-of-Way All construction and repair activities in the public right-of-way require a permit available from the Engineering Division. Activities requiring permits are: sewer taps, street cuts, culvert installation, sidewalk, curb and gutter repair, and curb cuts for new driveways. Permit holders must maintain adequate bonding and insurance coverage and must maintain traffic in accordance with the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
All utilities, both public and private, are required to obtain a certificate of registration for their systems prior to any construction work within the rights-of-way. The certificates are required to be updated with the City every five years.
Floodplain Management The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a program administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce future flood damage through floodplain management. The City's compliance with this program provides residents the ability to obtain flood insurance at reasonable costs. Any work performed within the designated floodplain areas will require a Flood Damage Prevention Permit.
Street Lights Duke Energy maintains the vast majority of street lights in the City of Middletown. If a light is out in your neighborhood, call Duke Energy at 1-800-544-6900.