Palm Beach County requires grading and drainage plans for new construction, sealed by a Florida-licensed engineer for projects over 5,000 square feet. Lot drainage must direct runoff to swales or approved retention.
PBC Engineering reviews grading and drainage plans as part of building permit review. Plans show finished floor elevations, swale locations, retention areas, and discharge points. Single-family lots typically use shallow swales draining to street curb or rear-yard easements. Cannot direct stormwater onto neighboring properties (FL §373.085 trespass-by-water rule). Coastal lots in AE/VE zones require dry floodproofing or elevated foundations. Wellfield protection zones impose additional grading restrictions to protect groundwater.
Improper drainage onto neighbor: civil suit plus $500 to $2,000 county fine. Failure to maintain swale: $250 fine plus restoration. Unsealed plans on large project: rejected at submittal.
Palm Beach County, FL
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Palm Beach County, FL
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Palm Beach County, FL
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