Largo, FL Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 23-217
- Applies to
- All ground-breaking sites, any size
- Acreage trigger
- 1+ acre needs FDEP NOI permit
- Duration
- BMPs required until final stabilization
- Enforcement tool
- Stop work order
- Max fine
- $1,000.00 per day (§ 23-221)
Summary
Every construction site in Largo that breaks ground must run erosion and sediment control from day one under Code § 23-217, regardless of project size. Sites of an acre or more also need an FDEP construction generic permit before the city will issue a development order or building permit.
(a)Erosion and sediment control. All construction sites that break ground or create soil disturbance must provide erosion and sediment control regardless of the type or size of the construction activity. Construction sites are required to use appropriate best management practices which shall meet or exceed city engineering standards to prevent pollutants from leaving the construction site and being discharged to the separate storm sewer system. Construction sites are required to use and properly maintain appropriate best management practices throughout the life of the project until final site stabilization has occurred. Vehicle track out, runoff or discharge of construction materials including, but not limited to, sediment, mud, soil, sand, rubble, concrete or concrete washings, or any other building or site materials, is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 | Comprehensive Development Code: Supplement 18).
Full Breakdown
Section 23-217(a) requires all construction sites that break ground or disturb soil to provide erosion and sediment control, with no exception for the type or size of the activity. Sites must use best management practices meeting or exceeding city engineering standards to keep pollutants from leaving the site and reaching the separate storm sewer system, and those practices must stay in place and be properly maintained for the life of the project, until final site stabilization. Tracking mud, sediment, concrete washings or any other building or site material off the site and into the right-of-way or storm system is flatly prohibited.
300(6), once the site meets the state's eligibility criteria for ending permit coverage. C. 300(2) before that water leaves the property. If the city documents a violation, subsection (d) authorizes a written notice of violation and lets the city halt all construction or demolition activity with a stop work order until the erosion and sediment problems are corrected, on top of the fines set out in § 23-221.
Violations & Fines
A stop work order under § 23-217(d) halts all construction or demolition on the site until erosion and sediment control is fixed. Separately, § 23-221 makes any violation of the article's stormwater standards punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00 per day or up to 60 days in the county jail, with each day of continuing violation treated as its own offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small residential addition need erosion control in Largo?
When do I need an FDEP permit before Largo will issue a building permit?
What happens if my site tracks mud onto the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Largo
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Largo to another location·View the Florida environmental rules overview
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Pinellas County handle erosion control.