Miami regulates grading and drainage through the city code and SFWMD permit requirements. Given the city's extremely low elevation and high water table, proper drainage design is critical for all development. Projects must not increase stormwater runoff to adjacent properties or public ways.
All development requiring a building permit must submit a drainage plan showing compliance with city standards. Miami's limestone geology and high water table (often within 3-5 feet of surface) require specialized drainage solutions. Projects must maintain pre-development drainage patterns and not increase runoff onto neighboring properties. Filling and grading in flood zones requires a Floodplain Development Permit. SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits address regional drainage impacts. The city's Stormwater Master Plan guides infrastructure improvements.
Improper grading causing flooding on adjacent properties triggers enforcement action and required remediation. Grading in flood zones without permits carries fines up to $500 per day. SFWMD may impose additional penalties for unpermitted fill.
Miami, FL
The City of Miami is a flat, low-elevation coastal urban area and is not designated as a high wildfire hazard severity zone. Most wildland fire activity in M...
Miami, FL
Miami's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Political signs are protected as f...
Miami, FL
Miami has no specific City ordinance restricting residential inflatable holiday displays. Practical limits come from HOA and condo covenants, the Miami Code ...
Miami, FL
Miami has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Condo and HOA covenants frequently impose rules under FL §718 ...
Miami, FL
Outdoor kitchens in Miami require building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits from the City of Miami Building Department under the Florida Buildin...
Miami, FL
Miami does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-unit b...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Miami-Dade County.
See how other cities in Miami-Dade County handle grading & drainage.
See how Miami's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.