Preparing for a Development Review Committee (DRC) Meeting
In Florida, a Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting is one of the most important steps in the land development approval process. It’s where county and municipal reviewers evaluate your project for compliance with local codes, stormwater standards, zoning, and infrastructure requirements.
Proper preparation can make the difference between a smooth approval and a delayed resubmittal.
What Is a DRC Meeting?
A Development Review Committee brings together multiple departments — including planning, engineering, utilities, transportation, and environmental divisions — to review site plans and identify issues before final approval.
The goal is to ensure projects meet all applicable regulations and coordinate effectively with public infrastructure.
DRC meetings are typically required for:
Site plan and subdivision approvals.
Large-scale commercial or residential developments.
Rezoning or conditional use applications.
Projects impacting public rights-of-way or utilities.
For related pre-application guidance, see:
Typical Permit Review Timeline in Miami-Dade.
Key Departments Involved in a DRC Meeting
| Department | Focus Area | Typical Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Zoning | Land use, density, setbacks, and landscaping. | Requests adjustments to building placement, buffers, or parking ratios. |
| Engineering / Public Works | Drainage, grading, stormwater management, and roadway design. | Requires drainage modeling updates or revised connection details. |
| Utilities | Water and sewer connection capacity and layout. | Verifies system sizing and separation from storm pipes. |
| Transportation | Access, driveways, sidewalks, and traffic impacts. | Requests revised traffic study or new turning radius diagrams. |
| Environmental | Tree protection, wetlands, and soil management. | May require additional permits or mitigation measures. |
How to Prepare Effectively
A strong DRC presentation begins with thorough documentation and clear communication.
Here’s what to prepare before your meeting:
Submit Complete Plans Early: Include grading, drainage, utility, and landscape plans. Missing sheets often cause automatic deferrals.
Review the Agenda: Know your project’s position and estimated discussion time.
Coordinate with Departments in Advance: Address potential concerns before the official meeting.
Bring Your Engineer: A licensed civil engineer can respond immediately to technical questions and prevent delays.
Document Every Comment: Assign responsibilities and deadlines for follow-up responses.
For related coordination strategies, see:
Preparing a Site Plan for Submission to a Florida City vs. County.
What to Expect During the Meeting
During the DRC meeting, staff members will:
Review your plans department-by-department.
Ask clarifying questions or note deficiencies.
Identify conditions that must be satisfied before approval.
The applicant or engineer may present briefly, respond to comments, and confirm the next steps for resubmittal.
If major issues arise, the project may be “continued” to the next DRC cycle, allowing revisions before reappearance.
After the DRC Meeting
Following the meeting, you’ll receive official DRC Comments or Minutes summarizing all feedback.
At this stage:
Update all drawings and technical reports accordingly.
Resubmit the full plan package addressing each comment.
Track your project status in the county’s online permitting portal.
Once approved by the DRC, the project can proceed to final engineering review and permit issuance.
To learn what happens next, see:
How to Appeal a Permit Denial in Florida.
Conclusion
A DRC meeting is one of the most critical checkpoints in Florida’s development process. Arriving prepared, informed, and supported by an experienced engineering team can save weeks — if not months — in the approval timeline.
At RSP Engineers, we help clients prepare submittals, represent projects during DRC meetings, and coordinate all necessary revisions for smooth approval.
FAQs
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To review development projects for compliance with local codes and interdepartmental coordination.
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Typically, the applicant, project engineer, and representatives from planning, engineering, and utilities.
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No — but they can be deferred until comments are resolved.
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Most Florida jurisdictions hold them weekly or bi-weekly.
Partnering With Florida Developers for DRC Success
At RSP Engineers, we guide clients through every phase of development — from preliminary design and drainage analysis to DRC presentation and final approval.
Our proactive approach ensures your project meets all technical and regulatory requirements from the start.
