What Is a Grading Plan and Why It’s Required for Permits
If you’re building in Florida—whether it’s a custom home, a commercial space, or a subdivision—you’ll almost certainly need a grading plan. It’s one of the most important pieces of your site plan package, and without it, your project won’t get permitted.
But what exactly is a grading plan? And why does your county or city require one?
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Grading Plan?
A grading plan is a civil engineering drawing that shows how a piece of land will be shaped and sloped to ensure proper drainage and site access. It details how earth will be moved, where the high and low points of the site are, and how water will flow across the property.
Grading plans typically include:
Existing ground elevations
Proposed finished elevations
Drainage direction arrows
Swales, berms, and retention areas
Building pad elevations
Driveway slopes and connections to roads
Spot elevations at key points (corners, ADA ramps, etc.)
Why Is a Grading Plan Important?
A grading plan does much more than show dirt work—it directly impacts safety, drainage, and the longevity of your property. It’s also a critical tool for meeting local and state code.
Here’s why it matters:
1. Prevents Flooding
Florida gets heavy rainfall, especially during hurricane season. A well-designed grading plan directs runoff away from structures and toward approved drainage points.
2. Protects Structures
Improper grading can lead to ponding near foundations, erosion, and even slab damage over time. A grading plan helps maintain proper elevations for the building pad and surrounding areas.
3. Ensures Safe Access
Driveway and walkway slopes must comply with local codes—and in many cases, ADA accessibility. Your grading plan ensures proper slope percentages.
4. Required for Permits
Most counties and municipalities in Florida require grading plans as part of the site plan or building permit application. No grading plan = no approval.
When Do You Need a Grading Plan?
You’ll likely need a grading plan if your project involves:
New construction on raw land
Tear-down and rebuilds
Additions that change the site layout
Any regrading or elevation changes
Land development or subdivisions
Even small infill lots often require grading plans to prove that stormwater will be handled properly.
Who Prepares a Grading Plan?
A licensed civil engineer prepares your grading plan using site survey data, local elevation benchmarks, and drainage design requirements. They’ll:
Evaluate existing topography
Design proposed slopes and drainage paths
Coordinate with other site elements (utilities, structures, landscaping)
Ensure compliance with municipal codes and stormwater guidelines
Seal the plan for submittal with your permit package
At RSP Engineers, we specialize in grading plans that are not only functional but designed for fast approval.
How a Grading Plan Helps Your Permit Get Approved
Permit reviewers will check your grading plan to confirm:
Drainage doesn’t impact neighboring properties
Flood elevation requirements are met
Retaining walls or fill are used appropriately
Driveway grades are safe and compliant
Stormwater runoff connects to approved infrastructure
Submitting a complete, engineer-sealed grading plan shows the reviewers your site is ready to build—and reduces the chance of costly revisions or delays.
Need a Grading Plan in Florida?
Whether you're building in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or anywhere else in Florida, RSP Engineers can help.
We provide:
- Residential and commercial grading plans
- Custom drainage solutions
- Utility coordination and site planning
- Fast turnaround and permitting support
Get started with a civil engineering team that knows your local code—and designs with your project’s success in mind.
