Pinellas County requires grading and drainage on private property to follow the county Stormwater Manual and Chapter 58 surface water management rules so that runoff does not damage neighboring properties or county infrastructure.
Pinellas County encourages green infrastructure, best management practices, and engineered solutions defined in its Stormwater Manual to manage runoff during and after construction. Site grading must direct water without creating adverse impacts on adjoining lots, streets, or wetlands. Chapter 58 provisions on stormwater and surface water management work alongside Chapter 158 floodplain rules and Chapter 138 zoning standards to govern fill placement, drainage swales, and impervious-surface drainage. Larger projects typically require engineered drainage plans and post-construction stormwater treatment. Property owners are responsible for maintaining swales and drainage easements located on their lots in unincorporated areas.
Diverting runoff onto neighbors, blocking county swales, or grading without required permits can lead to corrective work orders, civil penalties under Chapter 58, and personal liability for resulting flood damage.
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County's stormwater and surface water management provisions in Chapter 58 require erosion and sediment controls during land disturbance to prevent s...
Pinellas County, FL
Chapter 58, Article VI of the Pinellas County Code prohibits illicit discharges to the county's separate storm sewer system and authorizes civil penalties up...
Pinellas County, FL
Chapter 158 of the Pinellas County Land Development Code regulates construction in special flood hazard areas, requiring elevation, flood-resistant design, a...
See how Pinellas County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.