Environmental Resources Management

Class V Permit

• What is the Class V Permit used for?
• Why is the Class V Permit necessary?
• What other permits are needed for the Class V Permit before I can start work?
• How long does it take to process the Class V Permit?
• How much are the Class V Permit fees?
• How long is the Class V Permit valid?
• Can I file for a time extension?

What is the Class V Permit used for?

The Class V permit is needed for temporary dewatering or whenever water is removed from an excavation, from the ground or existing structure to ensure that sediment, turbidity and contaminants are removed before it is later discharged.

Why is the Class V Permit necessary?

This permit is necessary to ensure that construction or maintenance activities do not cause adverse impacts to adjacent properties, do not impair existing waterways and surface waters, and do not cause contamination to the surrounding areas or water bodies.

Discharge of turbid water (water full of sediment) into storm drains or bodies of water will cause clogging of existing drainage facilities, which causes flooding during storm events. When turbid water is discharged into water bodies, it can kill marine life and can pollute the water. This leads to the degradation of the water body, and increased flooding conditions.

Some areas of Miami-Dade County also have contamination of the existing groundwater. Unregulated dewatering of contaminated groundwater will spread more contamination into adjacent properties.

What other permits are needed for the Class V Permit before I can start work?

Zoning approval from a local municipality or Miami-Dade County (if you are in unincorporated Miami-Dade) is required prior to construction activity.

Depending on the features of each project, a Class I or IV permit may needed, as well as approval from the Public Works and Waste Management Department (if you are dewatering to a roadway with drainage), and municipalities (if dewatering to their streets).

If the project dewaters a large volume of groundwater, or lasts longer than three months, a permit from the South Florida Water Management District may also be required.

If dewatering is within areas of groundwater contamination, approval from the Pollution Remediation Section is required.

This question is intended to give you an idea of what other permits may be needed. Depending on your situation, you may need one or more of the above-mentioned permits. Additionally, there may be instances when a permit that is not listed here is required. We encourage you to call the contact number at the bottom of this page to discuss your particular case or to receive additional information.

How long does it take to process the Class V Permit?

One week.

How much are the Class V Permit fees?

Please see the Fee Schedule.

How long is the Class V Permit valid?

Six to 90 days. For more information, please call 305-372-6681.

• View the Class V Permit 

Can I file for a time extension?

Those requiring a time extension for a Class II, Class III, Class V or Class VI permit need to submit the following application 30 days before the permit expires. For more information, please call 305-372-6681.

• View the Time Extension Application 

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:35:44 AM