If you're building in Miami-Dade County, there's one requirement you can't ignore: drainage plan approval. Whether it’s a new home, commercial space, or site development, your project must show how it will manage stormwater on-site—before you can break ground.

Florida’s flat terrain and frequent storms make drainage a top priority, and Miami-Dade has some of the strictest stormwater regulations in the state.

In this guide, RSP Engineers walks you through the steps to get your drainage plan approved—efficiently and correctly.

What Is a Drainage Plan?

A drainage plan (also called a stormwater management plan) is a civil engineering design that shows how rainwater will flow, be collected, and discharged on your site.

It includes:

Grading and slope direction
Retention or detention areas
Swales, pipes, culverts, or outfalls
Drainage calculations
Erosion and sediment control measures

In Miami-Dade, drainage plans must comply with both local county codes and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) requirements.

When Do You Need a Drainage Plan in Miami-Dade?

You’ll likely need a drainage plan if your project involves:

New residential or commercial construction
Regrading or changing lot elevations
Adding impervious surfaces (like driveways or patios)
Working in flood zones or near coastal areas
Increasing stormwater runoff on-site

Even small projects may trigger review, especially in urban or low-lying areas.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Drainage Plan Approved

1. Hire a Licensed Civil Engineer

A qualified civil engineer will assess your site, review topography, soil, and FEMA flood zones, and prepare a complete drainage plan.

At RSP Engineers, we also confirm zoning requirements and prepare documents for submission.

2. Prepare and Seal the Drainage Plan

Your plan will include:

Grading contours
Drainage structures and routing
Calculations for runoff volume and flow
Erosion control notes
Tie-ins to existing infrastructure (if applicable)

Plans must be signed and sealed by a Florida-licensed PE (Professional Engineer).

3. Submit to Miami-Dade RER (Regulatory & Economic Resources)

Drainage plans are submitted with your building permit package to:

Miami-Dade RER
Your local municipal building department (if in a city like Doral, Coral Gables, etc.)
Other agencies, such as SFWMD or the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), if required

Your engineer will help determine which agencies need to review your project.

4. Respond to Comments or Revisions

Plan reviewers may request revisions, such as:

Additional drainage structures
Adjusted grading
Updated calculations
Clarification on tie-ins or discharges

Quick turnaround on revisions keeps your project on track.

5. Receive Final Approval

Once your drainage plan is approved, it becomes part of your permitted construction documents. Inspections during and after construction ensure the plan was followed as designed.

Why Drainage Approval Matters

In Miami-Dade, improper drainage isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a safety issue. Without proper design:

Properties may flood
Neighboring sites could be impacted
Permits can be delayed or denied
You could face stop-work orders or fines

Work With Local Engineers Who Know the Process

At RSP Engineers, we’ve helped dozens of property owners, developers, and builders across South Florida get their drainage plans approved quickly and efficiently.

We coordinate with municipalities, reviewers, and permitting agencies so you can: