Environmental Permitting Review Process & Application Forms

Review Process Information & Fees

The development review process within the environmental permitting section can take many forms depending on what type of development is proposed. We review all proposed development to ensure the development is in compliance with the natural resource regulations as approved and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. We strive to provide excellent customer service and to foster understanding of why protection of the County's natural resources is important to all of its citizens.

Here are some of the different types of reviews in which we participate and some tips for you to help expedite the process.

Building Permits

Environmental Resources Management participates in the County's One-Stop Permitting Process. We review proposed single-family homes, pools, fences, and a wide variety of other permit applications to ensure compliance with the natural resource ordinances.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning Applications

We provide technical assistance to the Planning and Zoning Office on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezoning applications. We provide information on what type of natural resources may be present on a property and what natural resource regulations may be applicable.

Subdivisions and Site Plans

We review proposed residential, commercial, and industrial development to ensure that projects are in compliance with the natural resource regulations.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning Applications

We provide technical assistance to the Planning and Zoning Office on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezoning applications. We provide information on what type of natural resources may be present on a property and what natural resource regulations may be applicable.

Land Alterations (borrow pits, spoil sites or sand mines)

We review proposed land alterations to ensure compliance with the natural resource regulations. Land alterations are those projects where dirt, rock, or other materials are removed from a site, or where dirt, rock, or other materials are deposited on a site.

Private Lakes

Proposed ponds and lakes must comply with the applicable setbacks and be designed to provide valuable wildlife habitat.

Seawalls and Revetments

Work on the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon system (including canals) requires a permit to ensure no adverse impacts. Stormwater management through the capture of one inch of stormwater runoff is required to help reduce sediment and nutrient loading of the Lagoon.

Tips

One of the most common reasons for delays during permit review is that the development application is incomplete. Here are some of the more common missing items from a development application.

  • If you have wetlands on your property, be sure to submit a certified survey of the wetland boundaries as delineated by an environmental professional within the last five years. A list of local environmental consultants can be downloaded here. If wetland impacts are proposed, please contact this office at (321) 633-2016, to determine whether impacts are permittable. If permittable, a mitigation plan compensating for all wetland impacts is required.
  • A tree and vegetation survey is required for lots greater than 1.25 acres if they have an existing tree canopy, or trees larger than 10 inches in diameter at breast height.
  • If your property is located on the Indian River Lagoon system, St. Johns River, or Lake Washington, a survey is required depicting an applicable surface water protection buffer establishment line. Please contact this office at (321) 633-2016 for more information.
  • If your property is located on the Atlantic coast, a survey conducted within the last 180 days depicting the 1981 FDEP CCCL and Brevard County CSL is required. Please contact this office at (321) 633-2016 for more information.
  • Applications submitted though our office cannot be processed until all fees are paid.

Other Services Provided

Property Reviews

This service will provide an analysis of any property of interest using a variety of natural resource maps. The analysis will provide information on whether the property may have wetlands, floodprone areas, aquifer recharge areas, protected wildlife, and whether you are subject to coastal or surface water regulations. This is a preliminary desktop assessment based on best available data at the time of this review and does not include a site inspection to verify the accuracy of this information. This review does not ensure whether or not a proposed use or development of the property can be permitted under current Federal, State, or local regulations and ordinances.

Letters of Ordinance Interpretation

For a written interpretation of how County environmental regulations may apply to a property of interest or a proposed project, staff can prepare a letter of ordinance interpretation. These letters do not ensure whether or not a proposed use or development of the property can be permitted under other current Federal, State, or local regulations and ordinances. Letters do not vest applicants against future modifications of policies or regulations.

Environmental Permitting Review Process & Application Forms

The following documents are available to the public via Public Records Request. If you need the document(s) in an alternate format for accessibility purposes (e.g. Braille, large print, audio, etc.) or in Section 508 compliant format please note that in the request. Note: this may take additional time.

ERM Forms

  • Small Scale Land Clearing Permit
  • Property Review Application
  • Surface Water Protection Application (e.g., Revetments)
  • Standard Landscaping Notes
  • Wetlands Determination Application
  • Wetlands Delineation Application
  • Private Lake Permit Application
  • Private Lake Variance Application
  • Non Bona Fide Agricultural Permit Application for Land Clearing
  • Land Alteration Permit Application
  • Code Enforcement Complaint Form

Building Permit Forms

  • Ag Exemption for Structures
  • Marine Turtle Protection Affidavit
  • Surface Water Protection Buffer Vegetation Affidavit

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