[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Crystal Lake as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Energy conservation code — See Ch. 237.
Watering of lawns — See Ch. 322.
Recycling — See Ch. 417.
Stormwater management — See Ch. 595.
[Adopted 3-15-2011 by Ord. No. 6647]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
COLLECTING STRUCTURE
Any house, garage, building, or canopy that possesses a roof drainage system utilized to collect rainwater in a rain barrel.
FRONT/CORNER SIDE YARD
For the purpose of this article only, a front or corner side yard is any portion of a lot between the front or side of a structure and a street.
RAIN BARREL
A manufactured, durable resin container designed specifically to collect and disperse rainwater from a rooftop drainage system for later use on lawns, gardens and for other outdoor uses.
[Amended 3-20-2012 by Ord. No. 6753]
The maximum capacity of a rain barrel shall be less than 100 gallons. One rain barrel is allowed to be directly connected at each downspout located in the rear or interior side yard. Multiple interconnected rain barrels may be utilized at downspout locations in the rear yard only. More than two interconnected barrels must be completely screened at all times.
The height of the rain barrel shall not exceed six feet above the surrounding grade. An elevated platform is permitted, but the height of the rain barrel and platform together cannot exceed six feet in height.
A. 
Rain barrels shall not be located in a front yard or corner side yard (adjacent to the street).
B. 
Rain barrels shall not be placed more than two feet away from the collecting structure.
C. 
To prevent tipping, rain barrels shall be placed on a flat, stable surface or platform.
[Amended 3-20-2012 by Ord. No. 6753]
The rain barrel may be enclosed by landscape features or screening constructed of natural materials. In lieu of screening, the rain barrel may be designed to appear similar to a planter, boulders, or similar natural element.
A. 
Every rain barrel must be equipped with an automatic stormwater diverter or automatic overflow system that diverts the water back into the downspout system away from the foundation and into the drainage swale. The overflow piping system must be a minimum of one inch.
B. 
The rain barrel must be equipped with a mosquitoproof screen on the lid and over the flow hole. The barrel must be maintained to prevent mosquito breeding.
Rain barrels, screens, gutters, and downspouts must be kept clear of debris and cleaned quarterly.
It is the owner's responsibility to direct the overflow runoff away from the adjoining property in accordance with Chapter 595, Stormwater Management.
The provisions of this article are not intended to prevent the installation of any material, or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this article, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design, or method of construction may be approved, where the Building Commissioner finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this article, and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this article in quality, effectiveness, durability, and safety.