Land Grading and Site Grading in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Precision grading services for building pads, parking lots, roads, and drainage across Broward County
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Who This Service Is For
Our land grading and site grading services in Broward County are designed for general contractors, developers, custom home builders, commercial property owners, and high-end homeowners who need precise elevation control and proper drainage for their construction projects throughout Broward County, including Weston, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, and other growing communities.
Whether you're preparing a building pad for a new home in Fort Lauderdale, grading a parking lot for a commercial development in Weston, or fixing drainage problems on an existing property in Plantation, we coordinate licensed contractors with the expertise and equipment to achieve proper elevations and slopes, with full understanding of Broward County requirements including Development & Environmental Review (DER), Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits.
Typical Project Sizes in Broward County
Land grading projects in Broward County typically start around $25,000 for residential building pads and can range from $50,000 to $250,000+ for large commercial developments, parking lots, or comprehensive site regrading projects. Projects in flood zones or requiring significant elevation adjustments often exceed $100,000. Projects involving development work as described in Florida Statute 380.04 require a development permit prior to the issuance of a building permit.
What Land Grading and Site Grading Includes in Broward County
Our comprehensive grading services cover all aspects of site preparation in Broward County:
Building Pad Grading
Precision grading for residential and commercial building pads to achieve proper elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by Broward County building codes. First floor elevations must be protected from a 100-year, 3-day storm event. Includes rough grading, fine grading, and final grading to engineering specifications.
Parking Lot and Driveway Grading
Grading for parking lots, driveways, and access roads with proper slopes for drainage throughout Broward County. Minimum parking lot elevation must be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event, whether using inverted crown or standard crown design. Ensures compliance with Broward County accessibility requirements and stormwater management standards.
Road and Access Drive Grading
Grading for roads, access drives, and subdivision infrastructure to meet Broward County standards and engineering specifications. Minimum roadway crown elevation must be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event. Compliance with Broward County building codes and Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
Rough and Final Grading
Complete grading services for new developments throughout Broward County, including rough grading for approximate elevations and final grading to achieve precise elevations within 0.1 feet of specified grades per engineering drawings. Compliance with Broward County building codes and Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
Regrading for Drainage
Site regrading to fix existing drainage problems by adjusting elevations and slopes to redirect water flow away from structures and eliminate standing water throughout Broward County. Essential for flood-prone properties, with compliance to SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements and Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
Slope Stabilization
Grading and stabilization of slopes to prevent erosion, especially important in coastal areas and properties near waterways throughout Broward County. Meets Natural Resource Protection Code requirements for erosion control and environmental protection, with compliance to SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit standards.
Broward County Grading Considerations
Grading in Broward County presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise. Our coordinated network of licensed contractors understands the specific requirements for working in Broward County:
- Flood Zone Elevations: Properties in flood zones must be graded to specific elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by FEMA and Broward County building codes. First floor elevations of all structures must be protected from a 100-year, 3-day storm event. Many Broward County properties are in flood zones AE, VE, or X, each with specific elevation requirements.
- Storm Event Protection: Broward County requires minimum roadway crown elevation and parking lot elevation to be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event, whether using inverted crown or standard crown design. These criteria represent minimum standards and may be increased by the Engineer of Record as applicable.
- High Water Table: Broward County's high water table affects grading depth, compaction, and drainage design. Proper dewatering and drainage systems are essential for successful grading projects. The water table can be within 2-3 feet of the surface in many areas, requiring SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for dewatering activities affecting state waters.
- Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas in Broward County have unique soil characteristics including limestone bedrock, sandy soils, and organic materials that affect grading techniques and compaction requirements. Our contractors are experienced with these conditions.
- Development & Environmental Review (DER): Grading projects typically require 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.
- 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 flood zones and stormwater management systems. Grading projects must comply with these requirements.
- SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: Grading projects affecting state waters and wetlands require SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented. We coordinate permit applications and ensure compliance throughout operations.
- Climate Resilience and Sea Level Rise: Broward County's Land Use Plan incorporates long-term resilience planning, including requirements that all land use and planning decisions within Priority Planning Areas consider and effectively address future climate predictions for a 50-year planning horizon, accounting for approximately 2 feet of sea level rise. Grading projects should consider these long-term resilience 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 grading projects in Broward County.
- Permit Validity: Broward County permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work doesn't begin within this period, the permit will expire, though extensions can be requested by contacting the Broward County permit department.
The Grading Process in Broward County
Our coordinated approach to grading ensures your Broward County project meets all specifications and regulatory requirements:
- Site Assessment: We review your site plans, engineering drawings, and survey data to understand grading requirements, identify challenges, and assess Broward County specific conditions including flood zones, water table, soil characteristics, and climate resilience considerations.
- 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 grading projects in Broward County.
- Broward County DER Coordination: We help identify required Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop and coordinate with Broward County Planning and Development Management Division to ensure proposed grading projects comply with the Broward County Land Development Code and Natural Resource Protection Code. All DER submittals are only accepted electronically.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required grading permits including Uniform Building Permit Applications (updated November 14, 2025), DER through ePermits OneStop, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for activities affecting state waters and wetlands, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. We coordinate with Broward County Building Code Division, SFWMD, and other regulatory agencies as needed.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment and experience for your specific Broward County grading needs, including expertise with high water table conditions, flood zone requirements, and climate resilience considerations.
- Grading Execution: Contractors perform rough grading, fine grading, and final grading to achieve precise elevations and slopes per engineering specifications, ensuring compliance with Base Flood Elevation requirements, 100-year, 3-day storm event protection for structures, and 10-year, 3-day storm event protection for roadways and parking lots where applicable.
- Compaction and Testing: Proper soil compaction is achieved and tested to meet Broward County building code requirements for foundation support. Special attention to compaction in areas with high water table conditions, with compliance to Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections with Broward County Building Code Division and ensure all grading meets engineering specifications, building code requirements, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and is ready for building construction or paving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are required for land grading in Broward County?
Required permits depend on project location and scope. Common permits include development permits (Florida Statute 380.04) obtained prior to building permit issuance, Uniform Building Permit Applications from Broward County Building Code Division, Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop for applicable projects, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for activities affecting state waters and wetlands, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and county grading permits. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
How does flood zone designation affect grading in Broward County?
Properties in flood zones (AE, VE, or X) must be graded to elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by FEMA and Broward County building codes. First floor elevations of all structures must be protected from a 100-year, 3-day storm event. This often requires significant fill material and careful planning. Our contractors are experienced with flood zone requirements and can help ensure your grading project meets all elevation requirements.
What are the storm event protection requirements for roadways and parking lots in Broward County?
Broward County requires minimum roadway crown elevation and parking lot elevation to be protected from a 10-year, 3-day storm event, whether using inverted crown or standard crown design. These criteria represent minimum standards and may be increased by the Engineer of Record as applicable. Our contractors ensure all grading meets these requirements.
What is the difference between rough grading and final grading?
Rough grading is the initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations and slopes. Final grading is the precise finishing work to achieve exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings, typically within 0.1 feet of specified elevations. Both phases are critical for proper site preparation in Broward County, with compliance to building codes and Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
How much does building pad grading cost in Broward County?
Building pad grading costs vary based on size, site conditions, flood zone requirements, and required earthwork. Typical residential building pads range from $25,000 to $75,000, while commercial pads can range from $50,000 to $200,000+ depending on scope. Projects in flood zones requiring significant fill material often cost more due to additional material and elevation requirements. Broward County permit processing, including DER review through ePermits OneStop, can add time and costs.
Can grading fix drainage problems in Broward County?
Yes, regrading is often an effective solution for drainage problems in Broward County. By adjusting site elevations and slopes, we can redirect water flow away from structures and eliminate standing water. This is often combined with drainage system installation for comprehensive solutions, especially important given Broward County's high water table and frequent heavy rainfall, with compliance to SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements and Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized land grading and site grading services in Broward County:
House Pad Grading and Building Pads
Precision grading for residential and commercial building pads in Broward County
Parking Lot and Driveway Grading
Grading for parking lots, driveways, and access roads in Broward County
Road and Access Drive Grading
Grading for roads, access drives, and subdivision infrastructure in Broward County
Rough and Final Grading for New Developments
Complete grading services for new developments in Broward County
Regrading for Drainage Problems
Site regrading to fix existing drainage issues in Broward County
Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control
Grading and stabilization of slopes to prevent erosion in Broward County