Planning Division

The City of Tampa Stormwater Department strives to provide a stormwater management system that is both quantity and quality sensitive. The Planning Division strives to maintain a balance between growth, relieving existing flooding problems, and addressing environmental stresses caused by stormwater runoff.

The Planning Division is charged with determining if and when capacity is available for future development and plans for the integration and expansion of an extensive system of pipes, ditches, retention, and detention ponds. The Division is also involved in regional planning and studies, working closely with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, and various other planning boards and environmental organizations.

Long and short range capital improvement plans are developed, updated, and prioritized to address stormwater flooding and system replacement. Floodplain mitigation projects, evaluation of basin plans, and development of Basin Management Action Plans to address Total Maximum Daily Load restrictions all fall within the purview of the Planning Division. The Planning Division is also actively involved in the development, implementation and maintenance of the Stormwater Utility and the Department’s GIS system. The Planning Division updates the GIS database for the utility, coordinates with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser’s offices, and develops and modifies the Utility Roll. Mitigation Credits for the Stormwater Utility Fee are examined by the Planning Division.

The Planning Division is actively involved in Floodplain Management Activities and contributes to Community Rating Service activities which allow homeowners a substantial discount on their flood insurance.