Site Development Order Requirements in Florida

Before any land clearing or construction begins, most Florida jurisdictions require a Site Development Order (SDO) — an official approval verifying that your engineering plans meet all local codes, environmental, and utility standards.

This approval bridges the gap between planning and building, ensuring that your project’s infrastructure is designed and reviewed by county or municipal engineers before permits are issued.

What Is a Site Development Order (SDO)?

A Site Development Order authorizes site improvements such as grading, drainage, utilities, and paving.
It does not authorize vertical construction — that follows under the building permit.

The SDO ensures that the development’s engineering systems comply with:

• Florida Building Code – Site Work Standards

• FDEP and Water Management District stormwater criteria

• Local public works and utility requirements

• County transportation and access standards

For background on pre-permitting coordination, see:
Preparing for a Development Review Committee (DRC) Meeting.

Typical SDO Submittal Requirements

Required Item	Description	Prepared By
Cover Sheet & Title Block	Project name, owner, engineer, and permit tracking info.	Civil Engineer of Record
Grading & Drainage Plan	Existing and proposed contours, drainage flow arrows, and pond details.	Civil Engineer
Utility Plan	Water, sewer, reclaimed, and fire service connections.	Civil Engineer
Paving & Striping Plan	Driveways, parking, and accessible route layout per ADA standards.	Civil Engineer
Erosion & Sediment Control Plan	Temporary BMPs per FDEP standards.	Civil Engineer
Landscape & Tree Preservation	Compliance with municipal green space and buffer requirements.	Landscape Architect
Drainage Calculations	Pre- and post-development runoff modeling.	Civil Engineer
Permit Applications	FDEP NOI, Water Management ERP, County/City forms.	Engineer & Owner

SDO Review Process

1. Pre-Application Coordination

   • Meet with county staff to review drainage basins, utility connections, and right-of-way impacts.

2. Formal Submittal

   • Submit signed and sealed civil plan set via the local e-permitting portal.

   • Include digital copies of reports, calculations, and agency permits.

3. Technical Review

   • County reviewers evaluate compliance with codes and infrastructure standards.

   • Expect comments from multiple departments (Public Works, Planning, Utilities, Fire Marshal).

4. Resubmittal and Approval

   • Address all comments and submit revised plans for final approval.

   • Once approved, a Development Order Certificate is issued.

5. Pre-Construction Meeting

   • Required before beginning site work; confirms inspection points and erosion control setup.

For related permitting steps, see:
Typical Permit Review Timeline in Miami-Dade.

Common Issues Delaying SDO Approval

• Incomplete plan sheets or missing certifications.

• Drainage not modeled per county design storm standards.

• Inconsistent data between utility and grading plans.

• Missing coordination with outside agencies (FDEP, FDOT, SFWMD).

• Lack of signature/seal from a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer.

Most counties issue comments within 30–45 days of submittal, but complex projects can require multiple review rounds.

After SDO Approval

Once the Site Development Order is granted, the developer may proceed with:

• Land clearing and grading.

• Utility installation and stormwater pond construction.

• Roadway and paving work.

Only after these elements are inspected and certified can the building permit be issued.
A site completion certification is often required before Certificate of Occupancy.

For a comparison of stormwater system options, see:
Florida Retention vs. Detention Pond Requirements

Conclusion

The Site Development Order is a crucial checkpoint in Florida’s permitting process. It ensures that infrastructure, grading, and utilities are engineered to code before construction begins.

At RSP Engineers, we manage the entire SDO process — from plan preparation to agency coordination — to help developers move smoothly from design to construction.

FAQs

• Who issues the Site Development Order?

  Usually the county or city Public Works or Development Services Department.

• Can construction begin before SDO approval?

  No — only limited testing or surveying activities may occur prior to approval.

• Does every project need an SDO?

  Yes, for most projects involving earthwork, drainage, or new infrastructure. Minor remodels may be exempt.

• Is SDO approval required before building permits?

  Yes — SDO approval is a prerequisite for building permit issuance.

Partnering With Florida Developers for Efficient Site Approvals

At RSP Engineers, we ensure your plans are accurate, compliant, and ready for fast SDO approval — reducing delays and accelerating construction schedules across Florida.