Bradenton, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Land Use Regulations § 4.1.2 governs preparation of land for construction or paving and any alteration of land in the City of Bradenton, and it points to subsections 2.2.1 and 2.2.3 for permit requirements. Section 4.1.2.1 sets the erosion sequence. Before clearing of vegetation or grubbing of land, all trees as defined in section 2.2.3.1.a. that have not been approved for removal must be barricaded and protected as required by subsection 2.2.3.2.h. Immediately following vegetation removal, existing slopes greater than 3 to 1 must be protected from erosion under section 4.1.2.1.a. Open burning has to meet all applicable government regulations and be approved by city council.

The grading paragraph, 4.1.2.1.a., is the core numeric rule. Unless otherwise approved, no slope can be greater than 4:1, and each slope is stabilized immediately after grading by placing sod so it completely covers the slope. The PCD director can approve other methods of slope stabilization. Cleared areas greater than 3,000 square feet are watered as necessary to prevent wind erosion and impacts on adjacent properties.

The rest of 4.1.2 ties erosion control to other work. Excavation and filling where buildings are proposed are governed by sections 1802 and 1803 of the 2007 Florida Building Code, and public right-of-way work follows the utility specifications of the department of public works. Street paving follows section 4.1.3, with the drainage requirements of section 4.1.5, and sewer, water, stormwater and other utilities are installed only as approved by the Land Alteration or Zoning Permit.

Near the water, § 3.4.4.1 requires a 35-foot vegetated buffer between the two-foot contour line and upland development, with a maximum slope of 4:1, and § 3.4.4.2 sends removal of vegetation, dredge and fill operations and earthmoving adjacent to any Conservation district back to § 4.1.2. Under § 4.1.1.5 the peak discharge rate from new development must be equal to or less than the pre-development rate for a 25-year frequency, 24-hour duration storm.