From: A Landscaper.
As far as gutters, sump pumps, etc. are concerned, YES it is illegall to divert these systems onto your nieghbor. As far as the grade goes, if that is already the natural drainage way of water, it is also illegal to change that. Although, it should have been graded differently between properties to divert runoff either to the front of the propery or the back, not onto your foundation.
Not trying to side with the wrong person here or nothing, but if you haven't already, maybe you and your (good nieghbor) could go talk to this person and explain the problem first and mention that you have already investigated into the matter and have found out that what his CONTRACTOR DID, not him, was not exactly legall. Maybe show him the damage that has already been done. See if maybe he could contact his contractor and make them come back and fix it. The contractor should have known anyway. And yes they can make them do just that, at no cost to anybody.
Maybe this would be a better route to take at first in order to avoid possibly months of litigation and a pissed off nieghbor that you'll have to live next to. How many more times is it going to rain before that's over. As a landscaper, have seen situations like this before, and it's never pretty in the end. It might get taken care of quicker by talking first. If at first you don't succeed, contact a lawyer.
Again, not trying to side with the wrong person here. But there were several people in Muscatine yesterday (April 25) that had water problems that they never had before. I don't recall ever seeing Houser St. turned into a raging river before, no I'm not talking about the hill niether. Parham St. had rapids, I believe the current was strong enough to knock you off your feet if you'd have tried to walk in it.
I do see your concerns and would definatly act upon it before your home suffers anymore.
P.S. If they can't get any satisfaction out of there contractor, give them my #, I'll be more than happy to fix it right for a small fee. 262-8420
