Property condition
Imagination Farms Lots: Drainage and Elevation Due Diligence
Quick answer
Look at the whole lot, not just the house. In Imagination Farms, large yards, pools and past landscaping can change how stormwater moves. Before you commit, check the FEMA flood zone for the address, ask for an elevation certificate if one exists, review a current survey for grade changes, and walk the property after rain. Then get a flood insurance quote — whether or not your lender requires it — so you know the real carrying cost.
C-11 West basin: distinguish regional management from lot drainage
The SFWMD C-11 West Basin Pollution Reduction Action Plan documents the regional basin framework and coordinated roles of SFWMD, Central Broward Water Control District and South Broward Drainage District, alongside municipalities and other entities. It is an April 2006 historical plan, not evidence that both local districts govern one Imagination Farms lot. Confirm the parcel’s district and the entity responsible for the receiving canal, neighborhood swales and private drainage easements.
Regional canal management does not certify that a yard, driveway or pool deck drains correctly. Review the survey, recorded easements and approved drainage plans before altering fill or blocking a swale. A FEMA zone designation and a drainage-district boundary answer different questions.
Historical Sunrise utility service: a separate issue from stormwater
Davie’s April 2019 Sunrise utility FAQs explain that Sunrise began serving areas in the 1970s that were later annexed into Davie, and acquired private providers including Southwest Broward Utilities serving Ivanhoe and Imagination Farms. This supports the historical western-service-area context; obtain a current service confirmation for the address. Water/wastewater billing does not identify who maintains stormwater canals.
Four records that answer most drainage questions
| Record | Where to get it | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Flood zone | FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Zone designation and whether it is a Special Flood Hazard Area |
| Elevation certificate | Seller, past owner, or the Town if on file | Lowest floor elevation vs. base flood elevation |
| Survey | Seller or a new survey | Spot elevations, swales, fill areas |
| Flood claims history | Ask the seller; check disclosures | Prior water intrusion or claims |
Signs of drainage problems on the walk-through
- Standing water or soft ground days after rain
- Erosion lines, staining or silt on driveways and patios
- Recently added fill, retaining walls or berms
- Downspouts discharging toward the house or a neighbor's lot
- Pool decks sloping toward the house
Flood insurance and lender requirements
Lenders generally require flood insurance for homes in a high-risk FEMA flood zone with a federally backed mortgage. Even outside those zones, a quote tells you what protection would cost. Ask for quotes early in your inspection period.
Do not rely on the seller's premium. Rates depend on the property, the policy and the new owner.
When to bring in a specialist
If the survey shows significant grade changes, or you see evidence of past water intrusion, ask a licensed engineer or surveyor to review the lot before you remove contingencies. If you plan to add a pool, addition or fill, ask the Town of Davie what review would be required first.
Related Mora Realty Davie pages
Sources
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center — Effective flood zone for an address (FIRM panel)
- Broward County Property Appraiser — parcel search — Parcel boundaries, recorded owner, building and land-use codes
- Town of Davie — Planning & Zoning — Address/folio-based zoning inquiries and proposed-use verification; request Building Division permit records separately
- SFWMD — C-11 West Basin Pollution Reduction Action Plan (April 2006) — Historical C-11 West basin framework and roles of Central Broward Water Control District, South Broward Drainage District and SFWMD; not a lot-specific district determination
- Town of Davie — Sunrise water and sewer FAQs (April 2019) — Historical utility annexation and acquisition context, explicitly including Imagination Farms; confirm current service at the address
- FloodSmart (NFIP) — Flood insurance basics and lender requirement background