Retention and Detention Basins in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who This Service Is For

Retention and detention basin services in Broward County are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone developing properties that require stormwater management systems throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, Plantation, and other communities.

Whether you're developing a new subdivision in Plantation, commercial complex in Fort Lauderdale, or any property requiring stormwater management in Hollywood, retention and detention basins are often required by regulatory agencies. We coordinate contractors with heavy equipment to design and construct basins that meet Broward County drainage requirements, Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, storm event protection requirements, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits.

Broward County Basin Construction Considerations

Retention and detention basin construction in Broward County requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:

• Development Permits: Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. This is a critical prerequisite for retention and detention basin construction projects in Broward County.
• Development & Environmental Review (DER): Retention and detention basin construction typically requires Development & Environmental Review through ePermits OneStop for applicable building permits. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Broward County's Planning and Development Management Division ensures that proposed developments comply with the Broward County Land Development Code and Natural Resource Protection Code.
• Storm Event Protection Requirements: Broward County requires that first floor elevations of all structures within drainage districts must protect structures from a 100-year, 3-day storm event, while roadway and parking lot elevations must be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event. Retention and detention basins must be sized to handle these design storms, with proper storage volumes and discharge rates to ensure adequate flood protection and water quality treatment.
• Natural Resource Protection Code: Broward County's Natural Resource Protection Code (Chapter 27) regulates environmental activities and enforces requirements for development in environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands and stormwater management systems. Basin construction projects must comply with these requirements.
• SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Basin construction typically requires SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented, requiring stormwater treatment systems to achieve significant pollution reductions—including an 80 percent reduction of post-development average annual total phosphorus (TP) loading and 45 percent reduction of total nitrogen (TN) loading from project areas. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
• Three-Tier Infrastructure Framework: Broward County's stormwater management system operates through a three-tier infrastructure framework: Tertiary System (individual community infrastructure including drainage inlets, pipes, swales, lakes, and retention areas), Secondary System (South Broward Drainage District or Central Broward Water Control District infrastructure including canals, culverts, and flood control gates), and Primary System (SFWMD-operated canals that receive all permitted stormwater runoff). Basins must integrate with this framework.
• High Water Table: Broward County's high water table, which can be within 2-3 feet of the surface in many areas, affects basin excavation depth and may require dewatering systems (SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits). Water table conditions determine basin design and may affect retention basin water levels, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and coastal neighborhoods.
• Climate Resilience and Sea Level Rise: Broward County has implemented a 50-year planning horizon for sea level rise, with projections of approximately 2 feet of sea level rise. Basin design must account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Drainage District Requirements: For projects in areas governed by drainage districts (Central Broward Water Control District for areas east of Volunteer Road or South Broward Drainage District for areas west), Paving & Drainage (P&D) Permits are required. Basin design must comply with drainage district requirements and storm event protection standards.

The Basin Construction Process in Broward County

Our coordinated approach ensures your retention or detention basin is constructed properly and meets all Broward County regulatory requirements:

1. Engineering Design: We coordinate with engineers to design retention and detention basins that meet Broward County drainage requirements, storm event protection requirements (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots), and regulatory standards including Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. Design determines basin dimensions, depths, storage volumes, and overflow structures, with consideration of water quality performance standards (80% TP reduction, 45% TN reduction) and integration with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
2. Development Permit Coordination: We help identify required development permits as described in Florida Statute 380.04, which must be obtained prior to the issuance of building permits for retention and detention basin construction projects in Broward County.
3. Broward County Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits including Uniform Building Permit Applications (updated November 14, 2025), Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, drainage district approvals (CBWCD or SBDD) where applicable, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically. Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. Permits ensure compliance with stormwater management requirements.
4. Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (excavators, bulldozers, compactors) and experience for basin excavation and construction in Broward County, including expertise with high water table conditions, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements, and storm event protection.
5. Basin Excavation: Contractors perform excavation to exact depths and dimensions, creating proper storage volumes, with proper dewatering systems where required due to Broward County's high water table (SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits). Excavation establishes basin shape and prepares areas for overflow structure installation, meeting county requirements and storm event protection standards.
6. Slope Construction: Basin banks are graded to proper slopes (typically 3:1 or 4:1) to ensure stability and prevent erosion, meeting Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code requirements. Slope construction meets engineering specifications and regulatory requirements.
7. Overflow Structure Installation: Overflow structures including weirs, risers, and outfall pipes are installed to control water levels and discharge rates, sized for storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures; 10-year, 3-day storm event for roadways and parking lots) and meeting Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. Structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent basin overflow, integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
8. Erosion Control and Final Inspection: Erosion control measures are installed, and final inspections with SFWMD, Broward County Building Code Division or municipal building departments, and drainage districts where applicable ensure basins meet regulatory requirements including storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Basins are ready for operation after final approval, with ongoing maintenance requirements.

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