City of Orlando
City of Orlando Permitting Division / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Land Clearing/Grading Permit with Stormwater Management / SJRWMD ERP
- Submit To
- City of Orlando Permitting Division / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
- Lead Time
- City review 2–4 weeks; SJRWMD ERP review 4–8 weeks for individual permits
- Application Method
- City permits via Orlando Building & Permitting Services; SJRWMD ERP online via E-Permitting portal
- Fee
- City grading permit fees based on disturbed area; SJRWMD ERP fee $500–$8,000+
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; stormwater treatment required for all new development creating impervious surface per City Code Chapter 57 and SJRWMD ERP
- 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: first 1 inch of runoff; lake-specific pollutant loading limits may apply
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards; lake-specific TMDLs may impose stricter limits
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan per City Code; Stormwater Management Plan per SJRWMD ERP
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a Florida-registered PE. Orlando's numerous lakes make water quality treatment a primary focus of stormwater review.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects construction sites for erosion control. SJRWMD conducts ERP compliance inspections. Post-construction stormwater systems require maintenance entity and recorded maintenance plan.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
Lake Protection Overlay
Trigger: Properties within the drainage basin of an impaired lake with a TMDL
Restriction: Additional nutrient (phosphorus/nitrogen) reduction BMPs required; may require enhanced treatment beyond standard ERP requirements; lake-specific pollutant loading allocations
Wekiva Study Area / Springs Protection Zone
Trigger: Properties in the Wekiva Study Area (north/northwest Orlando)
Restriction: Enhanced groundwater protection; reduced impervious cover; open space requirements; special SJRWMD review per Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- SJRWMD ERP Applicant's Handbook / City of Orlando Engineering Standards
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Orlando's landscape is defined by its many lakes, and stormwater management is primarily focused on protecting lake water quality. Many lakes have TMDLs that impose project-specific pollutant loading limits beyond standard ERP requirements. The Wekiva Study Area in northern Orlando adds springs-protection requirements.
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 Orlando Permitting Division / St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the agency website before beginning construction.