Stormwater Management: Sarasota vs Venice
How do stormwater management rules compare between Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL?
Sarasota and Venice have similar restriction levels.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota County
Sarasota's stormwater rules implement the SWFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) framework under F.A.C. 62-330 plus the City's NPDES MS4 permit. New development and substantial redevelopment must provide on-site stormwater treatment and attenuation; impervious-surface limits and grading-drainage rules apply to all permitted work.
View full Sarasota rules →Venice, FL
Sarasota County
Venice Code Ch. 89 (Environmental Regulations) and the SWFWMD Environmental Resource Permit program control stormwater runoff. New construction creating 1+ acre of impervious surface requires an ERP and on-site retention.
View full Venice rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sarasota | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | F.A.C. 62-330 + City Engineer | - |
| MS4 Permit | Federal NPDES | - |
| OFW Designation | Sarasota Bay - F.A.C. 62-302.700 | - |
| Impervious Cap | 50-65% (zone-specific) | - |
| Code Authority | - | Venice Code Ch. 89 + NPDES MS4 |
| ERP Threshold | - | 1+ acre impervious |
| Prohibited | - | Car-wash water, paint, pool drainage, fertilizer |
| Penalty | - | $500/day + EPA risk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sarasota FAQ
Do I need stormwater approval for a Sarasota home addition?
If the addition adds significant impervious area (typically over 4,000 sq ft for ERP review), yes. Smaller projects must still meet impervious-surface caps and sheet-flow grading rules under the building permit.
Why is Sarasota Bay special for stormwater rules?
It's designated an Outstanding Florida Water under F.A.C. 62-302.700, which triggers anti-degradation review - no measurable adverse impact allowed from any new discharge.
Venice FAQ
Can I drain my pool into the Venice storm drain?
No. Chlorinated pool water is an illicit discharge under the NPDES MS4 program. Dechlorinate and drain to landscaping or call a pool service for proper disposal.
Do I need a stormwater permit for a single-family home?
Usually no - most residential lots fall below SWFWMD's 1-acre ERP threshold. You still must grade so runoff stays on or flows to approved drainage and not onto neighbors.
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