DeKalb homeowners say 10+ foot sinkhole is growing in their neighborhood -- and they have to pay

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Homeowners living along Tidewater Cove say a stormwater line between two properties has failed and collapsed, creating a sinkhole that’s nearly 14 feet deep.

Homeowners told Channel 2 investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln this sinkhole is not only a threat to their properties, but it also creating anxiety and fear.

“One of the shrubs had sunk about a foot and a half or two feet,” said Murphy Davis Jr.

Homeowners told Lincoln that when they reached out to DeKalb County on repair costs, the county told them because the storm drain runs between their properties, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix the problem.

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“Definitely don’t think this should be the responsibility of the HOA or the homeowners,” Frederick Applewhite said.

Lincoln found county code said homeowners are responsible for storm drain fixes when it’s under private property.

Homeowners and the HOA told Channel 2 Action News they didn’t know about this ordinance before purchasing their home.

Channel 2 Action News discovered through county maps, that the original plot was amended by the original developer, removing Dekalb County from any stormwater maintenance liability.

“They took all liability from the county and gave it to the HOA,” Davis said.

The county said their road and drainage office has met with homeowners and their HOA.

The county suggests homeowners join the county’s citizen’s drainage program which would pay up to $2,500.

The HOA said they are looking at exploring all options before signing up for this program.

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