Grading and drainage in Palm Coast is reviewed by the City Engineer under the Land Development Code and the City of Palm Coast Technical Manual Section 5 (Engineering Design Standards) — adopted October 2009, revised January 2010, and significantly updated February 9, 2024. The updated standards require that all flatwork (sidewalks, A/C pads, patios) not obstruct drainage flow; align the finished floor elevation (FFE) at the front property line with the elevation of the pavement edge for one- and two-family dwellings per FBC; add a 'W' swale on lots without a defined swale along adjacent developed properties; require drainage to the front yard swale unless a topographic survey identifies an alternative outfall; and prohibit drainage onto adjacent properties beyond the 5-foot easement. Sites disturbing one acre or more also need a FDEP Generic Construction Permit (NOI) plus SWPPP, and SJRWMD ERP compliance.
Palm Coast grading and drainage rules combine three layers: (1) the Palm Coast Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances (Municode), enforced by the city; (2) the City of Palm Coast Technical Manual Section 5 (Engineering Design Standards) — adopted October 1, 2009, revised January 2010, with material updates announced February 9, 2024; and (3) the St. Johns River Water Management District Applicant's Handbook implementing FAC 62-330 for Environmental Resource Permitting. The February 9, 2024 Technical Manual update implemented several specific lot-level rules: all flatwork, including sidewalks, air conditioning pads, and patios, must not obstruct drainage flow; the finished floor elevation (FFE) at the front property line shall align with the elevation of the pavement edge for one- and two-family dwellings per Florida Building Code compliance; a 'W' swale must be incorporated on lots lacking defined swales along adjacent developed properties; properties must drain to the front yard swale unless a topographic survey demonstrates an alternative outfall; and drainage onto adjacent properties beyond the 5-foot easement is prohibited. Drainage plans submitted with site permits must show existing and proposed runoff calculations, demonstrate that historic rate and pattern of runoff to adjacent property is not increased, size on-site conveyance to safely pass the design storm event, and provide water-quality treatment to meet SJRWMD criteria. Sites of one acre or more disturbance (or part of a larger common plan) must also file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with FDEP for the statewide Generic Construction Permit and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) on site; perimeter BMPs (silt fence, vehicle tracking control pads, inlet protection, concrete washout) must be installed before ground disturbance. Lots within the SFHA have additional grading constraints driven by the city's floodplain ordinance and FBC §1612 (BFE + freeboard). Contact: Stormwater & Engineering Department, (386) 986-2360.
Grading or drainage work that deviates from the approved Drainage Plan, ignores the February 9, 2024 Technical Manual updates, or aggravates off-site flooding violates the Palm Coast Land Development Code and the conditions of the development approval. Enforcement runs through Code Enforcement and the Special Magistrate at up to $500/day under FS 162.09, plus Stop Work orders from the City Engineer and refusal to issue Certificate of Occupancy until as-built grading is verified. Aggravating off-site flooding to a neighboring property exposes the owner to civil liability under Florida common-law surface-water/nuisance doctrine. Sites of one acre or more operating without an active FDEP NOI face state penalties up to $10,000/day under FS 403.121. Failure to maintain stormwater treatment facilities to SJRWMD ERP standards can result in ERP revocation and state enforcement.
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