Overland, Denver: Older Basements Near the Platte and I-25

Same kind of house, different city

Confirm which city your address is in; the line between Denver and Englewood is not always obvious from the street.

Overland (Denver)	Englewood
Building permits through Denver's development services	Building permits through the City of Englewood
Sewer questions to the City and County of Denver's wastewater services	Sewer and water through Englewood's own city utility
Water service generally from Denver Water	Arapahoe County for county matters
Denver's 311 line for non-emergency city issues such as street drainage	City of Englewood for street drainage concerns

What basements look like here

Overland's residential blocks are a mix of small early twentieth century houses and post-war homes, set among commercial and industrial land closer to Santa Fe Drive and the river. Many houses have modest basements that serve as laundry and storage, and some have been finished as bedrooms or rental space. Exterior basement stairwells show up on some older houses that were split into units, and their drains need regular clearing.

The western part of the neighborhood is closer to the South Platte, where lower ground and the river corridor bring flood map questions. Owners there should check the FEMA map for their address. Farther east, basement water is more often the familiar mix of sewer laterals, gutters and grading on small lots.

Highway and rail corridors run through and alongside the area, and big paved surfaces nearby send storm water into streets and inlets quickly during cloudbursts. If street water regularly reaches your yard or driveway during storms, report it to the city so the inlet can be checked.

Overland basement checklist

Confirm whether your property is in Denver or Englewood before calling about permits or sewer issues.
Check your address on the FEMA flood map if you are on the river side of the neighborhood.
Clear any exterior stairwell drain at least twice a year.
Ask whether the sewer lateral has been scoped, especially in an older house with large trees nearby.
Keep stored items in a basement unit or storage area on shelves rather than the floor.
Keep storm inlets on your block clear of leaves when it is safe to do so.

Questions for Denver agencies and your provider

Denver: who is responsible for which part of my sewer connection?
Denver: does a sump pit, backwater valve or egress window at my address need a permit?
Insurance agent: does my policy include water backup coverage, and at what limit?
Cleanup provider: do you regularly work in Denver neighborhoods, and how will travel affect daily visits?

Map of Overland. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.