Stormwater drainage in Winter Haven is regulated under Chapter 21 ULDC Article III Division 3 (development site standards) and MPMS Sec. 302.2 (premises grading/drainage). New development must retain on-site stormwater per the SWFWMD and Polk County standards.
Winter Haven's stormwater program operates under an NPDES Phase II MS4 permit (FS Ch. 403). MPMS Sec. 302.2 (Ord. O-10-15) requires all premises be graded and maintained to prevent erosion and stagnant water; Sec. 304.7 requires roof drainage be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration. Sec. 507.1 prohibits drainage discharge from roofs, paved areas, or yards in a manner that creates a public nuisance (e.g., onto neighboring properties). For new development, Chapter 21 ULDC requires site-design stormwater retention and treatment meeting SWFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) standards (62-330 F.A.C.). Common violations include downspouts discharging onto neighbors and yard regrading that redirects runoff. Report stormwater pollution (illegal discharges to storm drains) to City Public Works (863-291-5860).
MPMS drainage violations: 10-day Code Compliance notice, then up to $250/day fines through Special Magistrate. Illicit discharge to MS4 (oil, paint, concrete washout) violates FS Ch. 403 with civil penalties up to $10,000/day.
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