Retention and Detention Basins in West Palm Beach, FL

Who This Service Is For

Retention and detention basin services in Palm Beach County are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone developing properties that require stormwater management systems throughout Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, and other communities.

Whether you're developing a new subdivision in Royal Palm Beach, commercial complex in Palm Beach, or any property requiring stormwater management in Jupiter, retention and detention basins are often required by regulatory agencies. We coordinate contractors with heavy equipment to design and construct basins that meet Palm Beach County drainage requirements, Building Division permits, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) review, Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) compliance, and SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits.

Palm Beach County Basin Construction Considerations

Retention and detention basin construction in Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County.
• Building Division Permits: Retention and detention basin construction typically requires Building Division permits from Palm Beach County Building Division. Building permits must be obtained before beginning construction, and the Building Division reviews plans to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and Palm Beach County requirements.
• Environmental Resources Management (ERM): Retention and detention basin construction may require Environmental Resources Management (ERM) review for projects affecting wetlands, protected species, or environmentally sensitive areas. ERM ensures that proposed projects comply with the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) and environmental protection requirements.
• Unified Land Development Code (ULDC): Palm Beach County's Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) 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. We coordinate all required SFWMD permits.
• High Water Table: Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach, Jupiter, and coastal neighborhoods.
• Hurricane Preparedness: Palm Beach County's location makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. Basin design must account for hurricane-force winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall, ensuring long-term functionality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coastal Conditions: Coastal properties in Palm Beach County including Palm Beach, Jupiter, Juno Beach, and Tequesta face additional challenges including saltwater intrusion, storm surge, and unique soil conditions that affect basin design and construction.

The Basin Construction Process in Palm Beach County

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

1. Engineering Design: We coordinate with engineers to design retention and detention basins that meet Palm Beach County drainage requirements and regulatory standards including Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) compliance. Design determines basin dimensions, depths, storage volumes, and overflow structures, with consideration of water quality performance standards.
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 Palm Beach County.
3. Palm Beach County Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits including Building Division permits, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) review for projects affecting wetlands or environmentally sensitive areas, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits for land disturbance and stormwater management, Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) compliance, and coordinate with regulatory agencies. 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 Palm Beach County, including expertise with high water table conditions, Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) compliance, SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit requirements, and hurricane preparedness.
5. Basin Excavation: Contractors perform excavation to exact depths and dimensions, creating proper storage volumes, with proper dewatering systems where required due to Palm Beach County's high water table (SFWMD Environmental Resource Permits). Excavation establishes basin shape and prepares areas for overflow structure installation, meeting county requirements.
6. Slope Construction: Basin banks are graded to proper slopes (typically 3:1 or 4:1) to ensure stability and prevent erosion, meeting Palm Beach County Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) 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, meeting Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) compliance. Structures ensure proper stormwater management and prevent basin overflow.
8. Erosion Control and Final Inspection: Erosion control measures are installed, and final inspections with SFWMD, Palm Beach County Building Division or municipal building departments, and Environmental Resources Management (ERM) where applicable ensure basins meet regulatory requirements including Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) standards. Basins are ready for operation after final approval, with ongoing maintenance requirements.

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