Your driveway culvert is the pipe that crosses beneath your driveway, usually connecting to a swale on either side. It gives stormwater run-off a path to flow away from homes and roads, protecting residents and neighborhoods from flooding from heavy rainfall.

St. Lucie County staff from the Water Quality Division routinely inspect residential driveway culverts. This typically follows the enhanced swale maintenance program as it works to improve drainage systems around the County.

Obstructions within the pipe, sediment intrusions, and deformations or damage to the driveway above are all indications that a pipe is potentially failed. If no corrective action is taken within 30 days of receipt of the initial failure letter, and the County Engineer agrees that a pipe has reached a failure state, the homeowner receives a notice of failure sent certified by mail to resolve the issue.

Culverts must remain free and clear to maintain good drainage. When a culvert fails, it slows down or can completely block the flow of stormwater through drainage swales.  By replacing your non-functioning culvert, you are not only helping the drainage in your neighborhood, but you are also helping to improve the water quality in the Indian River Lagoon and  the St. Lucie River.

Failure to take corrective action within 30 days of receiving the initial failure letter will result in a certified letter sent by the County Engineer. If no corrective action is taken within 30 days of receipt of the certified letter, the case is sent over to Code Enforcement for compliance where the case is subject to potential fines.

A St. Lucie County driveway permit must be pulled and approved by County Staff prior to any commencement of work. If a resident chooses to utilize the County Culvert Assistance Program (CAP) all work must be performed by a contractor who is licensed and insured here in St. Lucie County. For any inquiries regarding a contractor’s status, please contact the St. Lucie County Contractor Licensing Division at 772-462-1672 as they can provide a list of licensed contractors. Learn more about this process on the Culvert Assistance Program page.