Stormwater Management: Coral Gables vs Doral
How do stormwater management rules compare between Coral Gables, FL and Doral, FL?
Coral Gables and Doral have similar restriction levels.
Coral Gables, FL
Miami-Dade County
Coral Gables operates a stormwater drainage system managed by the Public Works Utilities Division that connects to the Miami-Dade County system. The city holds an NPDES stormwater permit requiring strict discharge controls. Construction sites must implement erosion and sediment controls, and all development must manage stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and water quality degradation.
View full Coral Gables rules →Doral, FL
Miami-Dade County
Doral enforces comprehensive stormwater management regulations requiring new development and redevelopment to retain stormwater on-site consistent with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) standards. Projects disturbing one or more acres must obtain NPDES stormwater permits. The city operates under an MS4 permit requiring pollution prevention controls on all construction and post-construction activities.
View full Doral rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Coral Gables | Doral |
|---|---|---|
| System Manager | Public Works Utilities Division | - |
| NPDES Permit | MS4 permit with discharge controls | - |
| Flood Gates | Automated gates at canal mouths | - |
| Illicit Discharge | Prohibited to storm drains | - |
| Construction | Erosion controls and PW permit required | - |
| Retention Standard | - | First inch of rainfall on-site |
| NPDES Trigger | - | 1+ acre of land disturbance |
| SWPPP Required | - | Yes, for 1+ acre projects |
| Facility Maintenance | - | Owner/HOA responsible, annual certification |
| Permit Authority | - | SFWMD ERP and FDEP NPDES |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Coral Gables FAQ
Who manages stormwater in Coral Gables?
The Public Works Utilities Division manages the city's stormwater drainage system, which operates through manholes, gravity mains, and force mains. The system connects to the Miami-Dade County drainage infrastructure. Contact Public Works for stormwater concerns.
Can I discharge water into the storm drains in Coral Gables?
No. Illicit discharges to the stormwater system are prohibited under the city's NPDES permit. This includes pool water, spa water, wash water, and any chemical discharges. Only uncontaminated rainwater should enter storm drains.
Why does Coral Gables flood and what has the city done about it?
The city is near sea level, surrounded by water bodies, with a high water table. The city installed automated flood gate controls at canal mouths, which prevented downtown flooding during the October 2000 storm when 16 inches of rain fell in 15 hours.
Doral FAQ
When do I need a stormwater permit in Doral?
Projects disturbing one or more acres require an NPDES Construction General Permit from FDEP with a SWPPP. All new development requires stormwater management plans as part of site plan review through Growth Management at (305) 593-6630.
What stormwater retention is required for new development in Doral?
New development must retain or detain the first inch of rainfall on-site and ensure post-development discharge does not exceed pre-development rates, consistent with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit standards.
Who maintains stormwater facilities in Doral developments?
Property owners or HOAs are responsible for maintaining stormwater facilities within their developments, with annual inspection and maintenance certification required. The city's Public Works Department maintains the municipal drainage system.
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