Property condition & permits
Davie Floodplain Improvements: When Grading Requires Review
Quick answer
Changing the ground on your lot can change where water goes — onto your house or a neighbor's. In Davie, adding fill, regrading, building a slab, addition or pool may require review by the Town and possibly a drainage district, especially in a FEMA flood zone. Before hiring a contractor, check your flood zone, ask the Town what review applies, and have a surveyor or engineer show how water will drain afterward.
Davie floodplain review comes before changing grade
Davie’s Floodplain Development Permit Requirements explains review of construction, filling and alteration of natural site elevations, and elevation certificates for new or substantially improved buildings. Contact Engineering before modifying swales or placing fill.
Davie Code of Ordinances review §12-544 floodplain permits and §12-328 engineering permits with Town staff for the proposed scope. Confirm the current text and drainage district; no universal fill depth, exemption or approval outcome is asserted.
Projects that may trigger review
- Adding fill or raising grade
- New slabs, patios or driveways
- Additions and pools
- Berms, walls and swale changes
- Removing or filling ditches
Who to ask
| Question | Who |
|---|---|
| What permits apply? | Town of Davie Building / Engineering |
| Is the lot in a flood zone? | FEMA Flood Map Service Center |
| Does a drainage district review it? | District serving the parcel |
| How will water drain afterward? | Surveyor or engineer |
Swales
Many lots rely on swales to move water. Ask before filling or landscaping one.
Related Mora Realty Davie pages
Sources
- Davie’s Floodplain Development Permit Requirements — Explains review of construction, filling and alteration of natural site elevations, and elevation certificates for new or substantially improved buildings
- Davie Code of Ordinances — Review §12-544 floodplain permits and §12-328 engineering permits with Town staff for the proposed scope