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Cape Coral Stormwater Management & Drainage Engineering

Cape Coral drainage projects require coordination with Lee County and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers deliver PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management plans, and permit services for Cape Coral properties.

1,000+ Projects 100% Permit Approval Since 2004

Our Engineering Services in Cape Coral

Licensed Professional Engineers delivering PE-stamped drainage designs, stormwater management, and permit services.

Residential Drainage Design

PE-stamped drainage plans for Cape Coral homes. Yard flooding, pool drainage, grading permits, and stormwater management for residential properties.

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Commercial Stormwater

Commercial stormwater management for Cape Coral developments. Site plans, detention/retention design, and SFWMD ERP compliance.

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Permit Services

Full drainage permit management for Cape Coral. SFWMD ERP applications, eLAPP (EnerGov) coordination, and local permit processing.

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Cape Coral Drainage Challenges

Cape Coral has the most extensive residential canal system in the world — over 400 miles of canals that drainage designs must integrate with. LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management governs development in Special Flood Hazard Areas, where the 50% substantial improvement rule means that if improvements exceed 50% of a structure's value, the entire structure must be brought to current flood code. Hydrostatic flood vents have been mandatory since July 2020, and all designs must comply with FEMA/ASCE standards.

World's largest residential canal system

Cape Coral's 400+ miles of canals mean drainage designs must integrate with massive existing canal infrastructure — not isolated on-site systems.

50% rule enforcement

If improvements exceed 50% of structure value in a SFHA, the entire structure must meet current flood code — drainage engineering is critical for these renovation projects.

Hydrostatic venting

Mandatory since July 2020, flood vents must be engineered to FEMA/ASCE standards — a specialized requirement for Cape Coral properties.

Post-hurricane rebuilding

Cape Coral's hurricane vulnerability means ongoing demand for drainage system upgrades, with all rebuilds required to meet current LDC Article 9 standards.

Key Requirements

  • LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management
  • 50% substantial improvement rule
  • Hydrostatic flood vents mandatory since July 2020
  • ERU = 10,000 sq ft impervious
  • Fertilizer ordinance 86-10
  • eLAPP/EnerGov online portal

Cape Coral Drainage Regulations

Governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Permit Thresholds

SFHA zones require full floodplain permit. 50% rule for improvements in SFHAs.

Local Stormwater Ordinance

Cape Coral enforces its own stormwater ordinance with requirements that may exceed SFWMD minimums. Projects must comply with both local and district standards.

LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management

LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management

50% substantial improvement rule

50% substantial improvement rule

Hydrostatic flood vents mandatory since July 2020

Hydrostatic flood vents mandatory since July 2020

ERU = 10,000 sq ft impervious

ERU = 10,000 sq ft impervious

Design Storm

25-year, 3-day rainfall

Retention Standard

SFHA zones require full floodplain permit. 50% rule for improvements in SFHAs.

Permit Portal

eLAPP (EnerGov)

Stormwater Fee

ERU-based annual

Special Requirements

  • LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management
  • 50% substantial improvement rule
  • Hydrostatic flood vents mandatory since July 2020
  • ERU = 10,000 sq ft impervious
  • Fertilizer ordinance 86-10
  • eLAPP/EnerGov online portal

How We Work in Cape Coral

1

Contact & Consult

Describe your Cape Coral drainage challenge. We assess your situation and outline the engineering approach.

2

Site Assessment

We evaluate your property, review existing conditions, survey elevations, and identify regulatory requirements.

3

Design & Engineering

Our licensed professional engineer creates SFWMD-compliant drainage plans, PE-stamped and ready for permit submission.

4

Permit & Approval

We submit to SFWMD and Cape Coral, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.

We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.

Get Your Free Cape Coral Drainage Quote

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24-hour response guarantee. No obligation.

Cape Coral Drainage Engineering FAQ

Yes, Cape Coral requires drainage plans for development and redevelopment projects. Cape Coral falls under the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), which administers Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs) for projects exceeding general permit thresholds. A Licensed Professional Engineer must prepare and seal drainage designs for permit submission. Permits can be submitted through eLAPP (EnerGov). CivilSmart handles the entire permitting process from design through approval.
Residential drainage design in Cape Coral typically ranges from $3,000–$8,000 for standard properties, with complex projects (flood zones, retention/detention systems, large lots) ranging from $5,000–$15,000+. Commercial stormwater management starts at $10,000 and scales with project complexity. Every CivilSmart project begins with a free custom quote based on your specific property and regulatory requirements.
Cape Coral drainage projects must comply with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements under Chapter 62-330, F.A.C. Additionally, Cape Coral enforces its own local stormwater ordinance that may impose stricter requirements than state minimums. Key local requirements include: LDC Article 9 Floodplain Management; 50% substantial improvement rule. CivilSmart's engineers are experienced with all applicable Cape Coral regulations.

Ready to Solve Your Cape Coral Drainage Problem?

Get a free quote from Florida's drainage engineering specialists. PE-stamped plans, full permit coordination, and 100% approval rate.

Licensed Professional Engineers | 1,000+ Projects | 100% Permit Approval | Since 2004