Clearwater vs Dunedin
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Dunedin, FL?
Clearwater and Dunedin have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater regulates site grading and drainage through Chapter 32 stormwater rules and the Community Development Code, requiring runoff to be managed on site without harming neighbors or the public storm system.
View full Clearwater rules →Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin requires drainage plans and proper lot grading for new construction and site development. Plans must show finished grades, retain stormwater on site where required, and meet minimum pipe size and storm-event design standards.
View full Dunedin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Dunedin |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Code Chapter 32 Articles VI and X | - |
| Companion rules | CDC Article 3 and Chapter 51 | - |
| Review | Engineering Department | - |
| Outside layer | SWFWMD permits | - |
| Floodplain fill | Restricted | - |
| Plan requirement | - | Drainage plan with finished grades |
| Min pipe diameter | - | 15-inch RCP |
| Design storm | - | 10-year minimum |
| Inlet spacing | - | 400-foot ridgeline maximum |
| Time of concentration | - | 15 minutes minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
Can I raise my Clearwater yard with fill to fix drainage?
Significant fill or regrading requires an engineering review under Chapter 32 to confirm runoff is contained on site. In a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, Chapter 51 also limits fill that would alter base flood elevations.
My neighbor's new driveway pushes water onto my lot - what can I do?
Clearwater code prohibits redirecting runoff onto adjacent parcels. You can file a code compliance complaint, and Engineering can require corrective grading or drainage improvements under Chapter 32.
Dunedin FAQ
Do I need a drainage plan to build in Dunedin?
Yes. Site plans must include finished grades and a drainage plan, and projects must meet Dunedin's pipe sizing, storm-event, and inlet spacing standards.
Can I regrade my yard freely?
Significant grading that changes drainage patterns or impacts neighboring properties or public rights-of-way requires city review and approval to avoid violations.
Compare other topics
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