Site Work and Site Development in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Complete site development services for commercial and residential projects across Broward County
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Who This Service Is For
Our site work and site development services in Broward County are designed for general contractors, developers, custom home builders, commercial property owners, and high-end homeowners who need comprehensive site preparation for their construction projects in Broward County.
Whether you're developing a commercial retail center on Las Olas Boulevard, building a custom home in Victoria Park, or preparing land for a new subdivision in Weston, we coordinate licensed contractors with the expertise and equipment to handle complete site development from start to finish, 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
Site work and site development projects in Broward County typically start around $25,000 and can range significantly higher depending on project scope, site conditions, flood zone requirements, and regulatory requirements. Commercial developments and large-scale residential projects often exceed $100,000 in site work costs. Projects requiring Development & Environmental Review (DER) through ePermits OneStop may have additional permit processing costs.
What Site Work and Site Development Includes in Fort Lauderdale
Our comprehensive site work services cover all phases of site development in Broward County:
Land Clearing and Vegetation Removal
Complete removal of trees, vegetation, and debris to prepare the site for development. Includes stump removal, grubbing, and site cleanup. All work complies with Broward County tree protection standards requiring barriers around preserved trees and hand clearing in designated preservation areas.
Mass Excavation and Earthwork
Large-scale excavation, cut and fill operations, and earthmoving to achieve proper site elevations and prepare for building foundations and infrastructure. Specialized techniques for Broward County's high water table conditions, with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits required for activities affecting state waters and wetlands.
Site Grading and Building Pad Preparation
Precision grading to create building pads at proper elevations, including rough and final grading to meet engineering specifications and Broward County building code requirements, including Base Flood Elevation (BFE) compliance for properties in flood zones.
Stormwater Management Systems
Design and installation of comprehensive drainage systems including retention ponds, swales, stormwater inlets, and piping to meet South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Environmental Resource Permit requirements and Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code standards.
Utility Preparation and Coordination
Trenching for utilities, coordination with utility companies, and preparation of infrastructure connections for water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunications in Broward County, with compliance to county utility requirements.
Erosion Control and Stabilization
Implementation of erosion control measures, slope stabilization, and sediment control to protect the site and surrounding areas during and after construction, meeting Broward County Natural Resource Protection Code requirements and environmental protection standards.
Broward County Site Development Considerations
Site development 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:
- Development & Environmental Review (DER): Broward County requires Development & Environmental Review through ePermits OneStop for applicable building permits. All submittals requiring DER are only accepted electronically, and the county will not issue building permits prior to receipt of proof of payment for impact fees and a copy of final Planning and Development Management Review approval.
- Uniform Building Permit Application: Broward County has released an updated Uniform Building Permit Application with a revision date of November 14, 2025. The new application requires indication of Private Provider association and includes a license-exempt contractor option. During a transition period through December 31, 2025, the previous application form will still be accepted.
- 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. Compliance ensures proper environmental protection and regulatory adherence.
- SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits: SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits are required for activities affecting state waters and wetlands, including dredging and filling, constructing flood protection facilities, providing stormwater containment and treatment, site grading, and building dams or reservoirs. As of June 28, 2024, new water quality performance standards were implemented.
- High Water Table: Broward County's high water table requires careful planning for excavation, drainage, and foundation preparation. Proper dewatering and drainage systems are essential for successful site development, with SFWMD permits required for dewatering activities affecting state waters.
- Flood Zone Compliance: Many Broward County properties are in flood zones, requiring specific elevation requirements and stormwater management systems that comply with FEMA and Broward County regulations. Base Flood Elevation (BFE) compliance is essential for properties in flood zones.
- Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have unique soil characteristics including limestone bedrock, sandy soils, and organic materials that affect grading, compaction, and foundation design. Our contractors are experienced with these conditions.
- Tree Protection Standards: Broward County requires tree protection standards for development activities. Prior to land clearing, barriers must be constructed around trees designated for preservation using sturdy orange plastic barricading with supports placed every five feet. Within designated preservation areas, only hand clearing is permissible.
- 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.
- Hurricane Preparedness: Site development must account for hurricane-force winds and storm surge. Erosion control, proper drainage, and site preparation enhance property resilience in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County.
The Site Development Process in Broward County
Our coordinated approach to site development ensures your Broward County project moves smoothly from initial planning through final site preparation:
- Project Intake and Scoping: We review your project requirements, site plans, and engineering drawings to understand the full scope of site work needed in Broward County, including Development & Environmental Review (DER) requirements.
- DER Coordination: We help identify required Development & Environmental Review through ePermits OneStop and coordinate with Broward County Planning and Development Management Division to ensure proposed developments comply with the Broward County Land Development Code and Natural Resource Protection Code.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits including Uniform Building Permit Applications, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits, and other regulatory approvals. 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, certifications, and experience for your specific Broward County site conditions and requirements.
- Scheduling and Coordination: We coordinate the sequence of site work activities, ensuring proper timing and minimizing conflicts between different phases, accounting for Broward County weather, permit processing timelines, and 180-day permit validity periods.
- Quality Assurance: We monitor progress and ensure work meets engineering specifications, Broward County building code requirements, Natural Resource Protection Code standards, and permit conditions.
- Final Inspection Support: We coordinate final inspections with Broward County Building Code Division and ensure all site work is completed to standards before building construction begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits are required for site development in Broward County?
Required permits depend on project location and scope. Common permits include 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, and Natural Resource Protection Code compliance. We help identify and coordinate all required permits. The county will not issue building permits prior to receipt of proof of payment for impact fees and a copy of final Planning and Development Management Review approval.
What is Development & Environmental Review (DER) in Broward County?
Development & Environmental Review (DER) is required for applicable building permits in Broward County. All submittals requiring DER are only accepted electronically through ePermits OneStop. 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. The county will not issue building permits prior to receipt of proof of payment for impact fees and a copy of final Planning and Development Management Review approval.
How long does site development take in Broward County?
Timeline varies significantly based on project size, site conditions, and permit processing. Simple residential projects may take 2-4 weeks, while large commercial developments can take several months. Broward County permit processing, including DER review through ePermits OneStop, can add time. Permits are valid for 180 days from issuance. We coordinate scheduling to minimize delays and keep your project on track.
Do you handle projects in flood zones in Broward County?
Yes, we coordinate site development projects in flood zones throughout Broward County. Our contractors are experienced with FEMA requirements, elevation certificates, Base Flood Elevation (BFE) compliance, and the specific drainage and grading requirements for flood-prone areas in Broward County, with compliance to Natural Resource Protection Code requirements.
What is the difference between site work and site development?
Site work refers to the physical earthwork, grading, and preparation activities. Site development is the broader process that includes site work plus planning, permitting, utility coordination, and regulatory compliance. We provide complete site development services that encompass all aspects, including Broward County specific requirements including DER, Natural Resource Protection Code compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits.
What are Broward County tree protection standards?
Broward County requires tree protection standards for development activities. Prior to land clearing, barriers must be constructed around trees designated for preservation using sturdy orange plastic barricading with supports placed every five feet. These barriers must remain in place throughout the clearing period and be completely removed upon project completion. Within designated preservation areas, only hand clearing is permissible. Any tree damaged during development that is designated for protection violates the code, and any tree that dies as a result of such damage is subject to double the replacement requirements.
Sub-Services
Explore our specialized site work and site development services in Broward County:
Complete Site Development Packages
Turnkey site development from clearing to building pad preparation in Broward County
Commercial Site Work
Site work services for commercial developments and retail centers in Broward County
Custom Home Site Work
Site preparation services for custom home construction in Broward County
Subdivision and Infrastructure Site Work
Complete site work for new subdivisions and infrastructure projects in Broward County
Cut and Fill and Mass Earthmoving
Large-scale earthmoving and cut/fill operations for site balancing in Broward County
Value Engineering and Pre-Construction Assistance
Site work planning, value engineering, and pre-construction consulting for Broward County projects