Land grading and site grading services in Miami, Florida

Land Grading and Site Grading in Miami, FL

Precision grading services for building pads, parking lots, roads, and drainage across Miami-Dade County

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Typical projects start around $25,000. Smaller projects may be referred to a partner.

Who This Service Is For

Our land grading and site grading services in Miami-Dade 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 in Miami-Dade County.

Whether you're preparing a building pad for a new home in Coral Gables, grading a parking lot for a commercial development in Doral, or fixing drainage problems on an existing property in Miami Beach, we coordinate licensed contractors with the expertise and equipment to achieve proper elevations and slopes, with full understanding of Miami-Dade County requirements.

Typical Project Sizes in Miami-Dade County

Land grading projects in Miami-Dade 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.

What Land Grading and Site Grading Includes in Miami

Our comprehensive grading services cover all aspects of site preparation in Miami-Dade County:

Building Pad Grading

Precision grading for residential and commercial building pads to achieve proper elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by Miami-Dade building codes. 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. Ensures compliance with Miami-Dade County accessibility requirements and stormwater management standards.

Road and Access Drive Grading

Grading for roads, access drives, and subdivision infrastructure to meet Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) standards and engineering specifications.

Rough and Final Grading

Complete grading services for new developments, including rough grading for approximate elevations and final grading to achieve precise elevations within 0.1 feet of specified grades per engineering drawings.

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. Essential for flood-prone properties in Miami-Dade County.

Slope Stabilization

Grading and stabilization of slopes to prevent erosion, especially important in coastal areas and properties near waterways. Meets Miami-Dade DERM requirements for erosion control and environmental protection.

Miami-Dade County Grading Considerations

Grading in Miami-Dade County presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise. Our coordinated network of licensed contractors understands the specific requirements for working in Miami-Dade County:

  • Flood Zone Elevations: Properties in flood zones must be graded to specific elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by FEMA and Miami-Dade building codes. Many Miami-Dade properties are in flood zones AE, VE, or X, each with specific elevation requirements.
  • High Water Table: Miami-Dade'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.
  • Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas in Miami-Dade 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.
  • RER and DERM Permits: Grading projects typically require permits from Miami-Dade RER (Regulatory and Economic Resources) and DERM (Department of Environmental Resources Management) for land disturbance, especially for projects involving significant earthwork or near waterways.
  • DTPW Requirements: Projects involving roads, access drives, or drainage modifications require coordination with Miami-Dade Department of Transportation & Public Works (DTPW) and compliance with Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances (Subdivision Code).
  • Stormwater Management: Grading must incorporate proper drainage and stormwater management to meet South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Miami-Dade County requirements. Site plans must show grading contours, proposed elevations, and drainage calculations.
  • Miami 21 Zoning Code: For projects in the City of Miami, grading must comply with Miami 21 Zoning Code and its Transect Zone classifications, including setbacks, height limits, and density restrictions.

The Grading Process in Miami-Dade County

Our coordinated approach to grading ensures your Miami-Dade County project meets all specifications and regulatory requirements:

  1. Site Assessment: We review your site plans, engineering drawings, and survey data to understand grading requirements, identify challenges, and assess Miami-Dade County specific conditions including flood zones, water table, and soil characteristics.
  2. Permit Coordination: We help identify required grading permits including Miami-Dade RER building permits, DERM environmental resource permits for land disturbance, DTPW permits for drainage modifications, SFWMD permits, and coordinate with regulatory agencies.
  3. Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment and experience for your specific Miami-Dade grading needs, including expertise with high water table conditions and flood zone requirements.
  4. 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 where applicable.
  5. Compaction and Testing: Proper soil compaction is achieved and tested to meet Miami-Dade building code requirements for foundation support. Special attention to compaction in areas with high water table conditions.
  6. Final Inspection: We coordinate final inspections with Miami-Dade RER and ensure all grading meets engineering specifications, building code requirements, and is ready for building construction or paving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for land grading in Miami-Dade County?

Required permits depend on project location and scope. Common permits include building permits from Miami-Dade RER, DERM environmental resource permits for land disturbance, DTPW permits for drainage modifications, SFWMD environmental resource permits for significant land disturbance, and county grading permits. Projects in the City of Miami also require compliance with Miami 21 Zoning Code. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.

How does flood zone designation affect grading in Miami-Dade County?

Properties in flood zones (AE, VE, or X) must be graded to elevations above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as required by FEMA and Miami-Dade building codes. 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 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 Miami-Dade County.

How much does building pad grading cost in Miami-Dade 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.

Can grading fix drainage problems in Miami-Dade County?

Yes, regrading is often an effective solution for drainage problems in Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade's high water table and frequent heavy rainfall.

Ready to Start Your Miami Grading Project?

Get a free quote for your land grading or site grading project in Miami-Dade County. We'll connect you with licensed contractors experienced in Miami-Dade County conditions and regulatory requirements.