City of Jacksonville (Duval County)
City of Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division (EQD) / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Environmental Compliance Permit / Stormwater Management Permit
- Submit To
- City of Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division (EQD) / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
- Lead Time
- City stormwater review 2–4 weeks; SJRWMD ERP review 4–8 weeks for individual permits
- Application Method
- City permits via Jacksonville Building Inspection Division; SJRWMD ERP online via E-Permitting portal
- Fee
- City stormwater management permit fee based on impervious area; SJRWMD ERP fee $500–$8,000+
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; stormwater treatment required for projects ≥ 4,000 sq ft of impervious surface or ≥ 1,000 cubic yards of earthwork
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Pre- vs. post-development discharge rate matching for 25-year/24-hour storm; water quality treatment: first 1 inch of runoff or 2.5× impervious area percentage per SJRWMD
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards; special protections for St. Johns River
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan per City Ordinance Chapter 342; Stormwater Management Plan per SJRWMD ERP
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Stormwater management plan must be prepared by a Florida-registered PE. Jacksonville (consolidated with Duval County) administers its own environmental compliance program through EQD.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City EQD inspects construction sites for erosion control compliance. SJRWMD conducts ERP compliance inspections. Post-construction systems require maintenance entity designation and recorded maintenance plan.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
St. Johns River / Coastal Zone
Trigger: Properties draining directly to St. Johns River, tributaries, or coastal waters
Restriction: Enhanced water quality treatment; buffer zone requirements along waterways; may require additional SJRWMD review for impacts to wetlands or floodplain
Duval County Wetlands
Trigger: Properties containing or adjacent to wetlands
Restriction: Wetland setback buffer (25–75 ft depending on wetland type); mitigation required for unavoidable impacts; USACE Section 404 and SJRWMD ERP required
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- SJRWMD ERP Applicant's Handbook / City of Jacksonville Stormwater Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S. (consolidated with Duval County). Its stormwater program is managed through the Environmental Quality Division. The city's proximity to the St. Johns River and Atlantic coast means most projects must address both freshwater and coastal water quality concerns.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the FDEP state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division (EQD) / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the agency website before beginning construction.