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Drainage Engineering in Lee County

Lee County property owners face specific drainage and stormwater requirements governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). CivilSmart's Licensed Professional Engineers provide PE-stamped drainage plans, stormwater management designs, and full permit coordination for residential and commercial projects throughout Lee County.

1,000+ Projects 100% Permit Approval Since 2004

Our Engineering Services in Lee County

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

Residential Drainage Design

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

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Commercial Stormwater

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

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Permit Services

Full drainage permit management for Lee County. SFWMD ERP applications, eConnect (aca.leegov.com) coordination, and local permit processing.

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Drainage Challenges in Lee County

Lee County's flood zone AE/VE areas require strict FEMA elevation plus 1-foot freeboard — drainage engineering must account for both stormwater management and floodplain compliance. Cape Coral's canal system, the most extensive residential canal network in the world, creates unique infrastructure integration challenges. Recent hurricane damage has driven significant demand for drainage system upgrades and rebuilds.

Cape Coral flood zone challenges

Cape Coral's SFHA zones and 50% substantial improvement rule require specialized drainage engineering. Hydrostatic flood vents have been mandatory since July 2020.

Hurricane damage rebuilding

Lee County was heavily impacted by recent hurricanes — drainage system upgrades are critical for rebuilds and must meet current code requirements.

Canal system complexity

Cape Coral has the most extensive residential canal system in the world (400+ miles) — drainage designs must integrate with existing canal infrastructure.

FEMA elevation requirements

1-foot freeboard above BFE is mandatory in flood zones AE/VE. Elevation certificates and drainage plans work together for compliance.

Lee County Drainage Regulations

Governed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Permit Thresholds

Project-type triggered. PE-sealed site plans required.

Local Stormwater Ordinance

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

Flood zones AE/VE: FBC + FEMA elevation + 1-foot freeboard

Flood zones AE/VE: FBC + FEMA elevation + 1-foot freeboard

eConnect portal

eConnect portal (May 2025 upgrades)

Design Storm

25-year, 3-day rainfall

Retention Standard

Project-type triggered. PE-sealed site plans required.

Permit Portal

eConnect (aca.leegov.com)

Special Requirements

  • Flood zones AE/VE: FBC + FEMA elevation + 1-foot freeboard
  • eConnect portal (May 2025 upgrades)

How We Work in Lee County

1

Contact & Consult

Describe your Lee County 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 Lee County, manage revisions, and deliver your approved drainage permit.

We engineer the solution — you get the approved permit.

Get Your Free Lee County Drainage Quote

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Lee County Drainage Engineering FAQ

Yes, Lee County requires drainage plans for development and redevelopment projects. Lee County 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 eConnect (aca.leegov.com). CivilSmart handles the entire permitting process from design through approval.
Residential drainage design in Lee County 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.
Lee County drainage projects must comply with SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) requirements under Chapter 62-330, F.A.C. Additionally, Lee County enforces its own local stormwater ordinance that may impose stricter requirements than state minimums. Key local requirements include: Flood zones AE/VE: FBC + FEMA elevation + 1-foot freeboard; eConnect portal (May 2025 upgrades). CivilSmart's engineers are experienced with all applicable Lee County regulations.

Cities We Serve in Lee County

CivilSmart provides drainage engineering across Lee County, including the following cities and communities.

Ready to Solve Your Lee County 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