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Drainage Improvement Maintenance Agreement

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DRAINAGE CONTRACT

THIS DRAINAGE CONTRACT (“Contract”), effective as of the date of the last party to sign below, is between having an address at ("Contracting Party Name").

For valuable consideration the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF WORK: Drainage services may include plumbing repair work (for drains, sinks, toilets, water cylinders, boilers, heaters and pipe lining), and fabrication and installation of cesspools, septic tanks, storm drains and other sewage disposal and drain structures. Drainage work may also include the evaluation of soil erosion, erosion control and proper water run-off of a particular area or worksite. Contractor shall provide all necessary drainage labor and materials, and perform all drainage services described above and/or as set forth in the plans and specifications signed by both Owner and Contractor (“Project”). Such plans and specifications are hereby made a part of this Contract and may contain pictures, diagrams or measurements of the work area together with a description of the work to be done, materials to be used, and the equipment to be used or installed.

2. WORK SITE: The Project shall be constructed on the property of Owner located at (hereafter "the Work Site"). Owner hereby authorizes Contractor to commence and complete the usual and customary excavation and grading on the Work Site as may be required in the judgment of the Contractor to complete the Project. Unless called for in the plans or specifications, no landscaping, finish grading, filling or excavation is to be performed at the Work Site by the Contractor.

3. TIME OF COMPLETION: Contractor shall commence the work to be performed under this Contract on or before and shall submit.

4. PERMITS: Contractor shall apply for and obtain such permits and regulatory approvals as may be required by the local municipal/county government, the cost thereof shall be included as part of the Project price.

5. SOIL CONDITIONS: Contractor shall have no responsibility for the condition of the soils at the Work Site. Any excavation, filling or other work required by the Owner other than the usual and customary excavation and grading shall be agreed to in a Change Order for an amount in addition to the Contract Price. Contractor shall not be responsible for any damages suffered by Owner as a result of the soil conditions at the Work Site.

6. INSURANCE: Contractor shall maintain general liability and workers compensation insurance.

7. SURVEY AND TITLE: If the Project is near the Owner's property boundary, Owner will point out property lines to the Contractor. If the Owner or Contractor has any doubt about the location of the property lines, Owner shall provide Contractor with boundary stakes through a licensed surveyor. In addition, Owner shall provide Contractor documentation that Owner has title to the Work Site and shall provide Contractor copies of any covenants, conditions, or restrictions that affect the Work Site.

8. CHANGES TO SCOPE OF WORK: Owner may make changes to the scope of the work, including changes to the plans and specifications, from time to time during the construction of the Project. However, any such change or modification shall only be made by written "Change Order" signed by both parties. Such Change Orders shall become part of this Contract. Owner agrees to pay any increase in the cost of the Project as a result of a Change Order. In the event the cost of a Change Order is not known at the time a Change Order is executed, the Contractor shall estimate the cost thereof and Owner shall pay the actual cost whether or not it is in excess of the estimated cost.

9. CONTRACT PRICE:

{COST PLUS}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the actual cost to Contractor of materials plus the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work.

Contractor shall be paid as follows:

OR

{FIXED FEE}

Owner agrees to pay Contractor the sum of $ for performing the services set forth in the scope of the work.

Contractor shall be paid as follows:

Contractor shall furnish Owner appropriate releases or waivers of lien for all work performed or materials provided at the time the next periodic payment shall be due.

10. LATE PAYMENT/DEFAULT: A failure to make payment for a period in excess of ten (10) days from the due date shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract. If payment is not made when due, Contractor may suspend work on the job until such time as all payments due have been made without breach of the Contract pending payment or resolution of any dispute. Owner agrees to pay a late charge of 1% of all payments that are more than ten (10) days late plus interest at the rate of 1% per month.

11. DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE: If the Project is destroyed or damaged for any reason, except where such destruction or damage was caused by the sole negligence of the Contractor or its subcontractors, Owner shall pay Contractor for any additional work done by Contractor in rebuilding or restoring the Project to its condition prior to such destruction or damage. If the estimated cost of replacing work already accomplished by Contractor exceeds 20 percent of the Contract price, either the Contractor or Owner may terminate this Contract. Upon termination by either party, Contractor shall be excused from further performance under this Contract and Owner shall pay Contractor a percentage of the Contract price in proportion to the amount of work accomplished prior to the destruction or damage.

12. ASSIGNMENT: Neither party may assign this Contract, or payments due under the Contract, without the other party's written consent. Any such assignment shall be void and of no effect.

13. INTERPRETATION:

(a) Interpretation of Documents. The Contract, plans, and specifications are intended to supplement one another. In the event of a conflict, the specifications shall control the plans, and the Contract shall control both. If work is displayed on the plans but not called for in the specifications, or if the work is called for in the specifications but not displayed on the plans, Contractor shall be required to perform the work as though it were called for and displayed in both documents.

(b) Entire Agreement. This Contract constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No other agreements, oral or written, pertaining to the work to be performed under this Contract exists between the parties. This Contract may only be modified by a written agreement signed by both parties.

(c) Governing Law. This Contract shall be interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire.

14. ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS: If any party to this Contract brings a cause of action against the other party arising from or relating to this Contract, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs.

15. PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor may, at its discretion, engage licensed subcontractors to perform work pursuant to this Contract provided Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the proper completion of the Project.

(b) All work shall be completed in a workman-like manner and in compliance with all building codes and applicable laws. To the extent required by law, all work shall be performed by individuals duly licensed and authorized by law to perform said work.

(c) Contractor agrees to remove all debris and leave the premises in broom clean condition.

16. WARRANTY: Contractor's warranty shall be limited to defects in workmanship within the scope of work performed by Contractor and which arise and become known within one (1) year from the date hereof. All said defects arising after one (1) year and defects in material are not warranted by Contractor. Contractor hereby assigns to Owner all warranties on materials as provided by the manufacturer of such materials.

AGREED:

CONTRACTOR:

Signature

Print Name & Title

Date

License Number

Name and Address of License Holder

OWNER:

Signature

Print Name

Date

NOTICES TO BUYER

NEW HAMPSHIRE LAW, RSA 359-G, CONTAINS IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS YOU MUST FOLLOW BEFORE YOU MAY FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION FOR DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION AGAINST THE CONTRACTOR WHO CONSTRUCTED, REMODELED, OR REPAIRED YOUR HOME. SIXTY DAYS BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION, YOU MUST SERVE ON THE CONTRACTOR A WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS YOU ALLEGE ARE DEFECTIVE. UNDER THE LAW, A CONTRACTOR HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN OFFER TO REPAIR AND/OR PAY FOR THE DEFECTS. THERE ARE STRICT DEADLINES AND PROCEDURES UNDER STATE LAW, AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THEM MAY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO FILE A LAWSUIT OR OTHER ACTION.

*Notice applicable only to home solicitation sales:

ANY BUYER MAY CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION ANY TIME PRIOR TO MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY AFTER THE DATE OF THIS TRANSACTION

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What the Drainage Improvement Maintenance Agreement Is

A Drainage Improvement Maintenance Agreement is a written contract that assigns responsibilities for regular upkeep, repair, and inspection of drainage infrastructure serving one or more properties. Typical subjects include stormwater inlets, swales, culverts, detention basins, and shared easements; the agreement clarifies which party performs scheduled maintenance, pays for repairs, and obtains permits or inspections. It also records access rights and timelines for notice, dispute resolution methods, and any required local approvals. Properly drafted agreements reduce disputes, preserve drainage function, and document obligations for future owners and local authorities.

Why this Agreement Matters for Property Owners and Municipalities

The agreement creates clear, enforceable responsibilities for maintaining drainage assets, reducing flood risk and local code violations. It preserves property value and simplifies cost allocation among beneficiaries, while documenting access rights for inspection and emergency repair.

Why this Agreement Matters for Property Owners and Municipalities

Who Typically Prepares or Signs This Agreement

Identify signatories with legal authority (title holders, board officers, district officials) and confirm whether recording or notarization is required.

  • Homeowner associations and property managers responsible for shared site drainage and landscaping maintenance.
  • Developers and builders establishing permanent maintenance obligations before final plat recordation or certificate of occupancy.
  • Local government or utility districts that accept or monitor stormwater infrastructure and require maintenance covenants.

Core Clauses to Include in a Professional Agreement

A robust Drainage Improvement Maintenance Agreement combines operational detail with legal safeguards to ensure long-term performance and clear remedies.

Scope of Work

Describe exact structures and areas covered (inlets, swales, basins), maintenance tasks, and inspection intervals so obligations are unambiguous.

Maintenance Schedule

Specify routine intervals (quarterly, semiannual), seasonal tasks (spring cleanout), and emergency response timelines to limit ambiguity.

Cost Allocation

State who pays for routine maintenance, periodic rehabilitation, and emergency repairs; include formulas for cost sharing if multiple parties participate.

Access and Easements

Detail rights for entry, permitted hours, notice procedures, and any temporary disturbance limits to protect property rights.

Recording and Enforcement

Indicate whether the agreement will be recorded in land records and include remedies, lien rights, or municipal enforcement options.

Insurance and Indemnity

Require proof of insurance where appropriate and allocate liability for damages arising from negligent maintenance.

Step-by-Step: Completing the Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, sign, and make the agreement enforceable.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble property legal description, exhibits, and the maintenance schedule for inclusion.
  • 02
    Review: Have counsel or municipal staff review terms, liability allocation, and permit requirements.
  • 03
    Execute: Obtain signatures from authorized representatives and notarize if required by jurisdiction.
  • 04
    Record: File the agreement with the county recorder or appropriate land records office when necessary.

Typical Process Flow from Draft to Recorded Agreement

This sequence outlines the usual operational flow for completing and applying the agreement in practice.

  • Prepare Documents: Gather plats, maps, and permit references.
  • Place Fields: Insert signature, date, and exhibit attachment fields in the document.
  • Sign and Notarize: Signers execute; obtain notarial acknowledgment if required.
  • Record or Distribute: Record in land records or provide certified copies to stakeholders.

Online Customization and Digital Workflow Settings

Configure workflows to capture required approvals, authentication, and exhibit attachments for a complete record.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Required | Signer must sign
Date Field MM/DD/YYYY | Auto-fill on sign
Notary Block Optional | Visible when notarization required
Authentication Email + SMS code | Stronger signer attribution

Technical Considerations for eSigning and File Handling

Choose a provider that preserves audit trails, supports notarization workflows where required, and retains signed copies for the retention period.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace supported
  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX accepted; preserves exhibits and annotations
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced signer verification

eSignature Vendor Comparison for This Agreement

Compare common eSignature vendors on basic pricing, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope or usage caps.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Trial varies Trial varies Trial varies Trial varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Security and Compliance Considerations for Digital Execution

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Detailed event timestamps and IP logs
HIPAA: BAA required for PHI workflows
ESIGN / UETA: Compliant with federal and state e-sign laws
SOC 2: SOC 2 Type II available
21 CFR Part 11: Supported for regulated records

Key Risks and Legal Consequences of Deficient Agreements

Enforcement Failure: Lack of recorded agreement limits remedies
Regulatory Fines: Local code enforcement penalties possible
Environmental Liability: Pollution or drainage failure exposes owners
Repair Cost Shift: Emergency repair costs can escalate quickly
Property Lien: Municipal assessments may create liens
Civil Damages: Neighbor claims for flood damage

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

  • Failing to attach a clear map or exhibit identifying drainage features and easement limits often causes later disputes and misdirected maintenance.
  • Using vague cost-sharing language such as 'reasonable share' without a numeric formula leads to disagreement and collection difficulty.
  • Neglecting to confirm signatory authority and corporate resolutions can render a signature ineffective when recording or enforcing the agreement.
  • Omitting local permit or inspection requirements can trigger municipal violations and additional remediation costs.

Real-World Scenarios Where This Agreement Is Used

Two common application scenarios illustrate how the agreement protects parties and clarifies ongoing obligations.

Residential HOA Example

A homeowner association schedules quarterly inlet cleaning and annual basin dredging

  • Shared-cost formula based on lot frontage
  • The recorded agreement required each lot owner to contribute assessments, granted access for maintenance crews, and reduced future collection disputes through a clear invoicing timeline.

Commercial Development Example

A developer transfers a detention basin to a business association with an operations plan

  • Performance bond required until final stabilization
  • The agreement defined preventive maintenance tasks, required annual engineer inspections, and provided municipality enforcement rights if the association defaulted on critical repairs.

Practical Tips for Clear, Enforceable Agreements

Follow these practical drafting tips to reduce ambiguity and future conflict.

Use Exhibits and Maps
Attach labeled engineering plans, plat excerpts, or photographs to show exactly which features and parcels are covered; this prevents boundary disputes and eases recording.
Define Standards
Reference industry standards or engineering specifications for maintenance tasks and acceptable condition levels so parties share the same performance expectations.
Include Remedies
Specify notice procedures, cure periods, and costs recoverable on default to streamline enforcement and discourage neglect.
Plan for Transfers
Require new owners to assume obligations on transfer and include notice procedures for assignment to ensure continuity of maintenance.

Time-Sensitive Dates and Notice Periods to Track

Identify routine deadlines and statutory or procedural notice periods to maintain compliance and operational readiness.

Annual Inspection Due:

Set a fixed calendar date each year for engineering inspection and report delivery

Routine Maintenance:

Quarterly or seasonal tasks scheduled with specific completion windows

Emergency Response:

Specify maximum response time, for example within 24–72 hours of notification

Notice to Enter:

Require advance notice (e.g., 48–72 hours) before non-emergency access

Cure Period:

Provide defined cure period (commonly 30 days) before enforcement remedies apply

Frequently Asked Questions About the Agreement

Answers to common questions about drafting, signing, recording, and enforcing Drainage Improvement Maintenance Agreements.


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