Stormwater Management: Miami vs North Miami
How do stormwater management rules compare between Miami, FL and North Miami, FL?
Miami and North Miami have similar restriction levels.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
Miami enforces comprehensive stormwater management under Chapter 17 of the City Code (Stormwater Utility) and Miami-Dade County Environmental Resource standards. The city operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under an NPDES permit issued by the Florida DEP.
View full Miami rules →North Miami, FL
Miami-Dade County
North Miami enforces stormwater management through its Code of Ordinances and participation in the Miami-Dade County NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. New development and redevelopment must retain stormwater on-site and prevent pollutant discharge to Biscayne Bay. Projects disturbing one acre or more require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and FDEP NPDES construction permit.
View full North Miami rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Miami | North Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | City Code Chapter 17 (Stormwater Utility) | - |
| Retention Standard | First inch of rainfall on-site | - |
| Fee Basis | Impervious surface area | - |
| Regional Permit | SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit | - |
| Penalty | Up to $500/day per violation | - |
| NPDES Permit | - | Co-permittee under Miami-Dade MS4 |
| Receiving Water | - | Biscayne Bay (Outstanding FL Water) |
| SWPPP Required | - | Projects disturbing 1+ acre |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited to storm sewer |
| Retention | - | On-site retention required for new development |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Miami FAQ
Does Miami charge a stormwater fee?
Yes. Miami charges a stormwater utility fee based on the impervious surface area on a property. Reducing impervious coverage through approved green infrastructure may lower the fee.
What stormwater retention is required?
New development must retain the first inch of rainfall on-site. The city's high water table and low elevation require specialized solutions such as exfiltration trenches.
North Miami FAQ
Do I need a stormwater permit for construction in North Miami?
Projects disturbing one acre or more require an FDEP NPDES construction permit and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Smaller projects may still need stormwater management plans during site plan review. Contact Community Development at (305) 895-9825.
Can I discharge pool or wash water into the storm drain in North Miami?
No. Illicit discharge to the storm sewer system is prohibited. This includes pool water, vehicle wash water, and chemicals. The stormwater system drains to Biscayne Bay, which is classified as an Outstanding Florida Water.
What stormwater requirements apply to single-family homes?
Single-family projects that significantly increase impervious surface area may trigger stormwater retention requirements. The city reviews projects to ensure post-development runoff does not exceed pre-development conditions.
Compare other topics
See how Miami and North Miami compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool