Floodplain Development Approval

Do I Need This Permit?

When is a Floodplain Development Approval Required?
A floodplain development permit is required for any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition, or other improvement of a building or structure, or any development-related change that will alter the drainage characteristics of a property located in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE or VE), per the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

My property is not in a flood zone. Why do I need a Floodplain/Land Development permit?
While FEMA flood zones dictate insurance requirements, State law and SFWMD regulations govern drainage. You are legally required to ensure your construction does not direct water onto neighboring properties and that you store your own stormwater runoff. This applies to every property, regardless of FEMA zone.

Why is the Town requiring these permits?
It ensures that the Town’s Floodplain Development ordinance is enforced correctly.

Common Situations & Site Work Questions

I'm just tearing down an old house and building a new one on the same footprint.
Generally, if you are not increasing the footprint by more than 600 sq. ft., and are not changing site elevation or adding fill, you may proceed with just a Building Permit (subject to Minor Improvement review).

I have a 5-acre lot. Why does it matter if I move a little dirt?
Even on large lots, moving dirt changes the water flow. The Town allows for “Minor Fill” (approximately 20 cubic yards per 1.25 acres). Exceeding this amount requires engineering review to prevent community-wide flooding issues.

Why do I have to provide “compensating storage”? That isn’t in the FEMA manual.
Correct — this is a requirement of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Town ordinances, not FEMA. When you add fill (dirt), you displace water that would otherwise remain there, potentially forcing it onto neighboring property. You must compensate for this lost storage on your own site.

Application & Review Process

Can I submit for my Floodplain Development Approval (FDA) at the same time as my Building Permit?
Yes — a Floodplain Development Approval is an additional permit required along with the Master Permit for the work being done. It functions like any other sub-permit.

How long is the Floodplain Development Approval Review Process?
The review process for an FDA is the same as for a building permit and has a similar time frame.

Can a Floodplain Development Approval be submitted for expedited review?
No.

Approval Conditions & Denials

Will my Building Permit still be issued if my FDA is not approved?
If a Floodplain Development Approval is required for a project, it is a condition of approval of the building permit.

What happens if my Floodplain Approval is not approved?
If your FDA is not approved, you will need to submit all requested review items, and they must be correct and current.

After Approval

Can I submit revisions to my Floodplain Development Approval once it is issued?
Yes — like any permit issued by the Town, if changes are needed, a revision is required and may be submitted.

Contact Information

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding this permit or the inspections that are required?
You may contact the Town’s Floodplain Administrator, Gary Clough, at 561-807-6670 or by email at gclough@loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov.