Grading & Drainage: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
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 →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg requires grading and drainage plans for new construction and significant site work under Chapter 16 site-design standards, with discharge limits enforced through Chapter 27 stormwater rules.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code chapters | - | Ch. 16 and Ch. 27 |
| Drainage rule | - | No increased runoff |
| ROW work | - | Separate permit |
| Floodplain fill | - | Sec. 16.40.050 applies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I add fill to raise my St. Petersburg yard?
Significant fill requires a permit and engineered drainage plan under Chapter 16. You may not redirect runoff onto neighbors or block swales, and floodplain fill is further restricted by Section 16.40.050.
Do I need a permit for a new driveway culvert in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Driveway and culvert work in the public right-of-way requires a separate City right-of-way permit on top of any building or grading permits.
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