Surface Water Management

The Surface Water Management Program oversees stormwater drainage within the public right-of-way to reduce flooding, maintain proper stormwater conveyance, and protect public infrastructure. The program provides technical guidance, reviews, issues, and completes inspections for permits related to driveway construction, re-sodding, swales, culverts, and other drainage-related activities to ensure compliance with City standards and stormwater regulations.

As the Engineering Standards and Code of Ordinance can be complicated, we can assist with your specific needs within the scope of these guidelines.  Below are common problems and solutions to these problems; if you would like more information as to how you can upgrade and improve the appearance and functionality of your property and driveway, please contact Surface Water Management at (239) 574-0414.  

When to Contact Surface Water Management

Please contact Surface Water Management if you are planning or experiencing any of the following within the public right-of-way:

• Driveway addition, replacement, or modification
• Installation or modification of driveway culverts
• Re-sodding or grading within the public right-of-way (typically the first 15–20 feet from the roadway)
• Drainage concerns related to swales, culverts, or driveway ramps
• Requests for drainage-related elevations or technical guidance

Residents experiencing active flooding or drainage issues should contact the City’s 311 Call Center.

Driveway - Addition or Replacement

Residential Permit Packet - Driveway Addition or Replacement

Packet includes: application form, permit guidelines, required documents, inspection list, fee schedule, and the Burrowing Owl/Gopher Tortoise affidavit.

A permit is required for all driveway additions or replacements within the public right-of-way. Surface Water Management reviews, issues, and completes inspections for driveway permits to ensure proper drainage, maintain swale function, and protect adjacent properties and roadways.

Based on site conditions, the driveway may be classified as a swale driveway, ramp driveway, or culvert driveway. Surface Water Management determines the appropriate driveway type during the permit review process and the SW-Initial/Cutsheet inspection.

Guidelines for Re-Sod

Residential Permit Packet - Re-Sod

Packet includes: application form, permit guidelines, the Burrowing Owl/Gopher Tortoise affidavit, and NOC requirements.

A permit is required when re-sodding occurs within the City’s public right-of-way, typically the first 15–20 feet from the edge of the roadway. Re-sodding within this area must maintain proper drainage and swale function.

Surface Water Management reviews, issues, and completes inspections for re-sod permits to ensure existing drainage patterns are not altered and that stormwater can flow as designed.