Do You Know About Palm Beach County Drainage Requirement PB-O-128?

Palm Beach County is a rich blend of the Sunshine State’s best. Urban centers and the Atlantic Ocean ensure lots of activity along its eastern third. It’s one of three counties that make up Miami’s metro area. In contrast, the communities on its western side include those counted in Florida’s rural heartland, and agriculture is the county’s second-largest industry. Only real estate development tops it. With gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches, thriving communities, and even a slice of the Everglades nearby, it’s no wonder that project development flourishes here. Both developers and property owners must understand the drainage requirement PB-O-128 means. 

What Is Palm Beach County Drainage Requirement PB-O-128?

Drainage requirement PB-O-128 is a policy and procedure memorandum that sets out regulations for filling and grading in Palm Beach County as of August 2022. Since failure to comply with these rules could lead to code enforcement actions, it’s smart for existing property owners who wish to complete work around their homes or businesses and everyone considering new projects to pay attention to.

What if you aren’t sure how to interpret the 13 pages of this memorandum? We’ll provide a summary here for strictly informative purposes. It’s offered for your convenience and should not be considered as advice. For that, we encourage you to reach out to us.

What Areas Are Covered by PB-O-128?

According to Palm Beach County officials, this regulation is designed “to preserve existing and historically compliant drainage compliance on developed and undeveloped lots of record on lots outside of platted subdivisions with a master stormwater management system.” When homes are constructed on lots that they believe meet the terms for consideration as a subdivision with a master stormwater management system, they may be asked to demonstrate that the system is prepared to meet the increased demand.

What Is the Goal of PB-O-128?

The regulation can achieve multiple goals. For starters, it creates a clear county policy for fill activities that align with federal, state, and local regulations. It protects against adverse impacts, shields storage capacity, and safeguards natural resources when applied properly.

What Do Property Owners Need to Know?

There is a lot of information in PB-O-128. Key points that every property owner should keep in mind include:

• Only clean fill, as defined by PB-O-128, is permitted.
• Minor fill, as defined by PB-O-128, is allowed for property maintenance. A permit is generally not required.
• Most other filling and grading activities will likely require a permit from the appropriate agency.

An unauthorized fill operation is a major misstep. Likewise, placing excessive fill that might trigger runoff issues or adverse impacts on surrounding properties or the environment will lead to negative consequences.

What Is Clean Fill?

If you will do any small filling or grading around your property, the proper materials are a must. What is a clean fill? Dirt, topsoil, gravel, sand, brick, concrete, cement, and rubble qualify.

What is not a clean fill? Organic materials cannot be used. This means no food, yard waste, or household waste. Contaminated soil is also forbidden. In addition, cardboard, metal, glass, plastic, tires, and other common materials are on the “no” list.

How Much Fill Is Allowed Without a Permit?

Property owners are allowed to place minor fill for things like gardening, landscaping, and driveway maintenance. How much fill is minor? Per PB-O-128, minor fill totals 20 cubic yards over two years. 

Are you planning a development project in Palm Beach County? Are you curious about how the drainage requirement PB-O-128 might impact your plans? Reach out to DKK Consulting Inc.

As a civil engineering firm serving Palm Beach County, Florida, and beyond, DKK Consulting, Inc. makes it a point to stay current on all the latest rules and regulations. Our expert team understands how to keep your project moving forward smoothly and in compliance. To learn more about our services, contact DKK Consulting today.