Site Engineering, Grading and Drainage
Grading and drainage means the proper routing of rainfall runoff to its ultimate discharge point. This could mean anything from directing roof to downspouts to swales in the side yard to managing runoff from a subdivision through the ponds and into County receiving waters. Proper routing of runoff is important to mitigate impacts to houses, garages, streets and major channels.
Every application for new construction or substantial improvement to existing construction, including single-family homes, subdivided lands and unplatted lands, must include a drainage plan demonstrating that the application is in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Pinellas County Stormwater Manual. Land Development Code 154-57.
Do we serve your area?
Building and Development Review Services provides building permits, building inspections and code reference for unincorporated Pinellas County and the communities of Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Indian Rocks Beach, Kenneth City, Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.
- Verify your jurisdiction by using our My Neighborhood Services search tool or the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website.
Stormwater Drainage
Stormwater Runoff is rainfall that does not seep into the ground, but runs off over yards, streets, parking lots and buildings. The stormwater runoff then enters our storm sewer system, which flows directly into creeks, lakes, Tampa Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
Code & Requirements
- Article II — Drainage Requirements
- Article III — Management and Storage of Surface Waters
- Sec. 166-1 — Water preservation in new developments
- Irrigation is water used for maintaining landscaped grass, trees, shrubs and other flora.
- New development is any change to the existing land development on a parcel.
Pinellas County Municode Sec. 154-51
Drainage Requirements (General) — A complete drainage system shall be provided for any development. All areas within a proposed development, including lots, streets and other areas, must be adequately drained. The drainage system will also account for any runoff from outside the development, if it passes over or through the development. The system will be designed both for long life and for low-cost maintenance.
Report a Drainage Issue
- Report a Drainage/Flooding Issue — Report an issue with yard drainage, unauthorized fill, other construction activity or any other general drainage concerns.
- Report / Request / Contact Us – For public street flooding, channel blockage or other public infrastructure drainage issues.
Roads
Permits and Applications
- Right of Way Utilization Permit — Chapter 154, Article IV, Division 2 – Right-of-Way Permit – You need a permit for all construction within the public right of way, which includes anything used as a road, for drainage or for any other public purpose.
- Cash Completion Bond
- Sec. 154-145 — General paving criteria
- Special Event Information and Application — You must apply for a permit to have any special event, such as a parade, which will need special considerations like security, street closures, traffic control and more.
Floodplains
Our floodplain management ordinances (Chapter 158) are designed to promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flooding.
Low-lying areas in Pinellas County that are adjacent to creeks, bayous, lakes, Clearwater Harbor, Boca Ciega Bay, Tampa Bay and the Anclote River are subject to flooding. Tropical storms and other threatening weather may also present flood hazards due to high tides, storm surges caused by winds and heavy rainfall.
This means that all of our residents are in a flood zone, with a risk designation of high, medium or low, so you should take steps to protect your property and financial security before disaster strikes. Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage.
Floodplain Information & Forms
- Flood Information — Find flood information from several county departments, including frequently asked questions (FAQ), current conditions, elevation certificates, insurance, floodplain management, mitigation, safety, property protection information and more.
- Flood Zone Application — Required form for construction permits for buildings in flood zones A or V. More flood zone information.
- The following forms should be filled out by the appropriate contractor and given to Development Review Services:
- FEMA Elevation Certificate 086-0-3 — Used to estimate the risk premium rates for flood insurance for new or substantially improved structures in designated special flood hazard areas.
- FEMA Floodproofing Certificate — Used for floodproofing design