Proper drainage plays an important role in protecting homes, neighboring properties, common areas, and community improvements throughout Stonebridge Ranch. The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association would like to remind homeowners of the requirements and responsibilities associated with maintaining established drainage patterns.

Stonebridge Ranch was designed with specific grading and drainage patterns to safely and effectively manage stormwater throughout the community. Changes made to an individual property can affect these established patterns, making it important for homeowners to consider drainage before beginning landscaping, construction, or other exterior improvements.

Why Established Drainage Patterns Matter

Changes to landscaping, hardscaping, construction, grading, or drainage systems can alter the way water moves across a property. When modifications are not properly designed or maintained, they may create drainage concerns for the homeowner, neighboring properties, or Association common areas.

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that modifications to their property do not adversely affect established drainage patterns or cause concentrated water flow to be directed onto neighboring properties or common areas.

All properties must remain in compliance with Association drainage requirements and applicable City of McKinney-approved grading plans. Any deviation from an approved grading plan requires prior approval from the Reviewing Body.

Before beginning construction, landscaping, grading, or other exterior work that could affect drainage, homeowners should review the following requirements.

Drainage Requirements

Concentrated Water Flow

No lot may direct concentrated water flow onto an adjacent property, including another homeowner’s lot or Association common area.

This includes water originating from:

• Downspouts and roof drains
• Pool overflows
• Sub-grade drainage systems
• Other similar drainage sources

Drainage improvements should be designed so that water continues to follow the property’s established and approved drainage patterns.

Grading Requirements

All drainage patterns must conform to the City of McKinney-approved grading plans established for the community.

Any proposed deviation from these plans must receive prior approval from the Reviewing Body.

When a homeowner alters the grade or landscape in a way that could affect site drainage—including construction, hardscape installation, landscaping changes, or other modifications—the homeowner is responsible for providing appropriate retainage to preserve the original drainage patterns and prevent runoff concerns.

Retainage & Drainage Solutions

Depending on the property and proposed modification, appropriate retainage may include:

• Swales
• Drains
• Retaining walls
• Other approved drainage methods

Retaining walls must comply with all applicable Association design standards and Village Guidelines.

Where side-yard retaining walls are not installed, a maximum slope of 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) must be maintained between the foundation slab and the side-yard property line. This requirement helps support stable grading and proper drainage.

When a Topographical Survey May Be Required

The Reviewing Body reserves the right, upon reasonable advance notice, to require a topographical survey when construction, landscaping, grading, or another property alteration may have the potential to affect drainage patterns or neighboring properties.

When required, the survey must be prepared by a registered surveyor and completed at the homeowner’s expense.

Before Starting Your Next Project

Before beginning any project that could alter the grade, drainage, or flow of water on a property, homeowners are responsible for determining whether Association approval is required.

Homeowners should submit the appropriate Modification Application and receive approval before work begins on any project that may affect established drainage patterns.

Completing a project without required Association approval does not eliminate the homeowner’s responsibility to comply with the community’s governing documents. Homeowners may also remain responsible for correcting modifications that adversely affect established drainage patterns or neighboring properties.

Protecting Stonebridge Ranch Together

Proper drainage is an important part of protecting individual homes and the community as a whole. Thoughtful planning before beginning a project can help prevent standing water, erosion, runoff concerns, and unintended impacts to neighboring properties.

The Stonebridge Ranch Community Association appreciates homeowners’ cooperation in maintaining the community’s established drainage system. By following approved grading plans, reviewing applicable guidelines, and obtaining approval when required, residents can help protect their property, their neighbors, and the long-term integrity of Stonebridge Ranch.

Questions before you submit? Please contact the Stonebridge Ranch Community Association team. We are happy to help you understand the requirements and prepare your application. Thank you!