Who is responsible for the culvert under my driveway?

Under RSA 236:13, VI, all private driveway connections, including structures like culverts, are the continuing responsibility of the landowner - even if located within the right of way. It is immaterial whether the driveway connection pre-dates the town's permit system. If any driveway connection threatens the integrity of the highway due to plugged culverts causing erosion, siltation, flooding, etc., the planning board or its designee can require the owner to repair it. If the owner refuses to remediate the issue, then the town may perform the work and assess the costs to the owner.

Many times it is a blocked or failed driveway culvert that causes a backup of material - which then fills a drainage swale with water and solid material, so please check your driveway culvert regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. It costs a lot less to maintain a working drainage swale than to revitalize one that has been backed up with debris. While the responsibility is on the landowner to maintain and replace the culvert when necessary, the Pittsfield Public Works department will be available to provide guidance to residents in assessing their project.