Stormwater Inlets and Piping in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Who This Service Is For

Stormwater inlet and piping services in Broward County are essential for developers, general contractors, commercial property owners, and anyone needing comprehensive stormwater collection and transport systems throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, Plantation, and other communities.

Whether you're developing a new property in Plantation, upgrading existing stormwater systems in Fort Lauderdale, or installing comprehensive drainage infrastructure in Hollywood, stormwater inlets and piping effectively collect and transport runoff. We coordinate contractors with expertise in Broward County drainage requirements, Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, storm event protection requirements, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits to install inlet systems and underground piping that meet regulatory requirements.

Broward County Stormwater Inlet Considerations

Stormwater inlet and piping installation 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 stormwater inlet and piping installation projects in Broward County.
• Development & Environmental Review (DER): Stormwater inlet and piping installation 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. Stormwater inlet and piping systems 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. Stormwater inlet and piping projects must comply with these requirements.
• SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Stormwater inlet and piping systems may require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for stormwater management, especially for systems connecting to surface waters or involving significant land disturbance. 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). Stormwater inlet and piping systems 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 piping installation and requires proper depth control and material selection. Piping systems must be designed to function effectively in high water table conditions, especially in areas like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and coastal neighborhoods.
• Flood Zone Compliance: Stormwater systems in flood zones must comply with FEMA requirements and Broward County building codes. Systems must be designed to function during flood events and prevent flooding, with proper elevation of inlets and piping to meet Base Flood Elevation (BFE) requirements and storm event protection (100-year, 3-day storm event for structures) where applicable.
• Pipe Material Selection: Pipe materials must be suitable for Broward County conditions including high water tables, coastal environments, and soil conditions. Material selection affects system longevity and performance, especially important in coastal areas with saltwater intrusion and unique soil characteristics.
• 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. Stormwater inlet and piping design must account for climate resilience and sea level rise considerations, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Maintenance Requirements: Stormwater systems require periodic maintenance including cleaning catch basins, removing debris, inspecting piping, and maintaining outfalls. Access points and maintenance features must be included in system design, with compliance with Broward County requirements for long-term operation and storm event protection.

The Stormwater Inlet and Piping Installation Process in Broward County

Our coordinated approach ensures your stormwater inlet and piping system is installed properly and meets all Broward County regulatory requirements:

1. System Design: We coordinate with engineers to design stormwater inlet and piping systems 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 inlet placement, pipe sizing, slopes, and connections, integrating 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 stormwater inlet and piping installation 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 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 regulatory requirements and may require specific design features.
4. Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment and experience for stormwater inlet and piping installation 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. Inlet Installation: Contractors install catch basins and stormwater inlets at specified locations, meeting Broward County construction standards. Installation includes proper placement, connections, and surface restoration, with proper sizing for storm event protection requirements.
6. Piping Installation: Underground piping is installed with proper slopes and connections, 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. Piping installation includes trenching, pipe placement, connections, and backfill, with consideration of high water table conditions and integration with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework.
7. Connection to Retention Areas: Piping systems are connected to retention ponds, detention basins, or outfalls, integrating with Broward County's three-tier infrastructure framework. Connections ensure proper water discharge and compliance with stormwater management requirements, meeting storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
8. Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections with SFWMD, Broward County Building Code Division or municipal building departments, and drainage districts where applicable to ensure stormwater systems meet specifications and regulatory requirements including storm event protection and Natural Resource Protection Code standards. Systems are ready for operation after final approval.

← View Stormwater Inlets and Piping (All Areas) | ← Back to Fort Lauderdale Drainage Services