Coral Gables, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 86-3(b), Code of Ordinances
- First offense
- Warning only
- Second offense fine
- $1,000
- Repeat/irreparable fine
- Up to $15,000
- Also covers
- NPDES permit violations
Summary
Coral Gables bars construction runoff, erosion, and sediment from reaching stormwater drains, canals, and waterways, with escalating fines up to $15,000 for repeat or irreparable violations.
It shall be unlawful for any property owner or entity performing construction activities to cause, let, allow, discard, permit or suffer runoff, erosion and sedimentation into any stormwater drains, inlets, catch basins, curbs and gutters, retention or detention ponds, swales, manholes, junction boxes, culverts, freshwater lakes, waterways or other related components, designed to convey stormwater runoff within the city.(c)A violation of this section, or any violation of a duly issued National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, shall be punishable by the following:(1)First violation within a 12-month period—warning;(2)Second violation within a 12-month period—$1,000.00 fine;(3)Third violation within a 12-month period—$5,000.00 fine;(4)A violation beyond the third occurrence may be punishable by a fine up to $15,000.00, as a code enforcement matter, upon a finding that the violation was irreparable or irreversible in nature. (Code 1958, § 7-8; Code 1991, § 14-64; Code 2006, § 86-3; Ord. No. 591, § 5, 3-1-1949; Ord. No. 2020-29, § 2(Att. A), 10-27-2020)
Secs. 86-4—86-24. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Fee Schedule: Supplement 2 | Zoning Code: Supplement 1 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code Sec. 86-3(b), any property owner or entity performing construction activities in Coral Gables is prohibited from letting runoff, erosion, or sedimentation reach stormwater drains, inlets, catch basins, curbs and gutters, retention or detention ponds, swales, manholes, junction boxes, culverts, freshwater lakes, or waterways that carry stormwater through the city. The same section treats violating a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit the same way. Builders need silt fencing, inlet protection, and other erosion controls working before site work starts, since inspectors can cite the first observed discharge.
Violations & Fines
First violation in a 12-month period draws a warning; second is a $1,000 fine; third is $5,000; beyond that, up to $15,000 if code enforcement finds the harm irreparable or irreversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to homeowners or only contractors?
What counts as a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Coral Gables
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