City of Tallahassee
City of Tallahassee Growth Management Department / Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Land Development Permit with Stormwater Management / NWFWMD ERP
- Submit To
- City of Tallahassee Growth Management Department / Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)
- Lead Time
- City review 2–4 weeks; NWFWMD ERP delegated to FDEP for most projects
- Application Method
- City permits via Tallahassee Growth Management; NWFWMD/FDEP ERP via ePermitting
- Fee
- City permit fees per project scope; ERP fee varies
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; stormwater treatment required for new development per ERP and city ordinance
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Pre- vs. post-development discharge rate matching; first 1 inch of runoff treatment; regional stormwater facilities available in some areas
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with FDEP Generic Permit and Florida surface water quality standards
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; Stormwater Management Plan per ERP
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Plans must be prepared by a Florida-registered PE. Tallahassee's karst geology (sinkholes) adds complexity to stormwater infiltration and retention design.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City conducts construction-phase inspections. FDEP/NWFWMD conducts ERP compliance inspections. Post-construction systems require maintenance plan.
- Inspector Qualification
- No state-specific certification required; CPESC/CESSWI recognized
Special Overlay Zones
Sinkhole / Karst Zone
Trigger: Properties in mapped karst-prone areas (common throughout the Tallahassee area)
Restriction: Geotechnical investigation required; no direct stormwater injection into sinkholes; enhanced liner requirements for stormwater ponds; FDEP groundwater protection standards apply
Lake Lafayette / Lake Protection Zone
Trigger: Properties draining to Lake Lafayette or other impaired lakes
Restriction: Enhanced nutrient reduction BMPs; lake-specific TMDL pollutant loading limits; additional treatment beyond standard ERP may be required
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Tallahassee Stormwater Design Manual / NWFWMD ERP Applicant's Handbook
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Tallahassee's karst geology creates unique stormwater challenges — sinkholes can form under stormwater ponds, and direct infiltration to groundwater requires careful treatment. The city operates in the NWFWMD, where ERP authority is largely delegated to FDEP. Lake water quality protection drives many local 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 Tallahassee Growth Management Department / Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) and the agency website before beginning construction.