What is a sump pump?
Commonly found in basements of homes, a sump pump is used to remove water that has gathered in a water collecting sump basin. This gathered water may enter via natural ground water, rain water infiltration, or basement perimeter drains. Sump pumps send water away from the house, where it is allowed to drain onto the landscaping or into the street gutter. Pumps may not discharge to the sanitary sewer (e.g., toilet) because it can overwhelm the municipal sewage treatment system.
Any discharge over a public sidewalk shall not create an icy condition or buildup of slime or condition that would impair the safety of pedestrians using the sidewalk. Per city Codes 70-76 and 70-106, the sump pump owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk clear of any obstructions.