Broward County Drainage Services

Drainage Engineering in Hollywood, FL

Licensed Professional Engineers providing residential and commercial drainage design in Hollywood, Broward County. 120+ local projects completed with 100% permit approval rate.

Services

Drainage Services in Hollywood

Professional drainage engineering for Hollywood residential and commercial properties.

Local Conditions

Hollywood Drainage Factors

Water Table 2-4 feet in mainland areas; shallower near beach and Intracoastal
Flood Zone AE zones across low-lying mainland areas; VE zones along oceanfront barrier island. Much of city near sea level.
Permit Authority City of Hollywood Development Services Department (zoning code requires preliminary stormwater drainage report sealed by licensed PE)

Common Hollywood Drainage Challenges

  • Much of city at or near sea level, reducing gravity drainage effectiveness
  • Tidal influences from Intracoastal Waterway affect eastern drainage systems
  • Zoning code requires onsite retention for 24-year storm event
  • Citywide flooding simulation model identifies priority upgrade areas

Key Regulations

  • Chapter 27, Article V: Surface Water Management Code
  • Projects >= 1 acre require Surface Water Management License
  • South Broward Drainage District criteria for southwest Broward
  • Central Broward Water Control District standards
Local Drainage Conditions

Broward County Soil & Drainage Profile

Annual Rainfall 62" per year
Design Storm 9.2" (25-yr/24-hr)
Water District South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
Predominant Soil Types
Hallandale fine sandMargate fine sandLauderhill muckDania muck

Broward County's soils are predominantly poorly drained fine sands in the eastern half, with organic muck soils in the western conservation areas. The Hallandale series — a sandy soil with limestone bedrock within 20 inches of the surface — dominates much of developed Broward and severely restricts subsurface drainage options.

May through October delivers approximately 73% of the annual 62 inches. Fort Lauderdale averages 8-9 inches per month from June through September. Intense tropical downpours frequently exceed 3 inches per hour.

Typical Hollywood Drainage Solutions

  • Exfiltration trenches per FDOT standards — the primary residential solution where shallow bedrock prevents deep French drains
  • Dry retention areas where space permits
  • Catch basin and pipe networks conveying to local drainage district canals
  • Swale systems maintained by drainage districts for roadside conveyance
County Requirements

Broward County Drainage Engineering Notes

Broward County's unique regulatory framework involves multiple independent drainage districts — including the South Broward Drainage District, Central Broward Water Control District, and North Broward drainage infrastructure — each with different stormwater criteria. A project in Pembroke Pines may have different retention requirements than an identical project in Coral Springs, even though both are in Broward County.

The shallow limestone bedrock (often within 12-20 inches of the surface in eastern Broward) is both a blessing and a challenge for drainage engineers. The rock provides structural support for exfiltration systems but limits traditional French drain depth. Drill-and-blast may be required for pipe installations, significantly increasing construction costs compared to adjacent counties with deeper sand profiles.

Environmental Considerations in Hollywood

New River and Middle River watersheds are impaired water bodies with TMDL requirements for nutrient loading
Westernmost Broward borders the Water Conservation Areas (WCA-2A, WCA-3A) with strict buffer requirements
Intracoastal Waterway discharge requires enhanced water quality pre-treatment
Saltwater intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer affects exfiltration trench placement depth
Permit Timeline for Hollywood Residential building permits: 2-3 weeks. Surface Water Management License (projects >= 1 acre): 60-90 days. SFWMD General Permits: 30-60 days.
Drainage Oversight

Drainage Districts Serving Hollywood

Central Broward Water Control District (headquarters at 8020 Stirling Road, Hollywood)
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

Established city with development spanning 1920s beach area through 1980s western expansion. Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan uses citywide flooding simulation to prioritize infrastructure upgrades across aging neighborhoods.

Flood Risk Areas

Known Flood-Prone Areas in Hollywood

Harrison to Magnolia Terrace area (targeted for stormwater pipe replacement)
Azalea to Eucalyptus Terraces
Jefferson Street area
Foxglove Terrace area
Eastern beach area near Intracoastal Waterway
Local Infrastructure

Drainage Infrastructure in Hollywood

  • C-11 canal (primary drainage conveying to S-13 and S-9 pump stations)
  • City stormwater pipe network
  • Community-level retention and detention systems

Flooding History

  • Chronic tidal flooding in eastern beach neighborhoods
  • Heavy rainfall flooding in identified problem areas (Harrison-Magnolia, Azalea-Eucalyptus corridors)

Hollywood's Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan uses a citywide flooding simulation model analyzing rain, tides, and sea level rise to identify priority infrastructure upgrades. The city's zoning code requires a preliminary stormwater drainage report sealed by a licensed PE, demonstrating onsite retention for a 24-year storm event.

Nearby Cities

More Broward County Locations

We serve communities throughout the county.

FAQs

Hollywood Drainage Questions

Do I need a drainage permit in Hollywood, FL?
Yes. Drainage permits in Hollywood are issued through City of Hollywood Development Services Department (zoning code requires preliminary stormwater drainage report sealed by licensed PE). Key requirement: Chapter 27, Article V: Surface Water Management Code. A Licensed Professional Engineer's stamp is typically required for drainage plan approval.
What drainage challenges are common in Hollywood?
Hollywood properties commonly face much of city at or near sea level, reducing gravity drainage effectiveness, and tidal influences from intracoastal waterway affect eastern drainage systems. Our engineers design solutions tailored to these local conditions.
What is the water table depth in Hollywood?
The water table in Hollywood is typically 2-4 feet in mainland areas; shallower near beach and Intracoastal. Flood zones are classified as ae zones across low-lying mainland areas; ve zones along oceanfront barrier island. much of city near sea level.. These factors directly affect drainage system design.
What drainage district covers Hollywood?
Hollywood falls under Central Broward Water Control District (headquarters at 8020 Stirling Road, Hollywood) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). These districts set specific criteria for stormwater retention, system design, and permitting that our engineers navigate daily.
What areas of Hollywood are most prone to flooding?
Known flood-prone areas in Hollywood include Harrison to Magnolia Terrace area (targeted for stormwater pipe replacement), Azalea to Eucalyptus Terraces, Jefferson Street area. Properties in these areas often require enhanced drainage solutions.
How much does drainage engineering cost in Hollywood?
Residential drainage design in Hollywood typically starts at $2,500 and varies based on lot size, complexity, and permit requirements. Commercial projects range higher. Contact us for a free project-specific estimate.

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