At Tuesday’s City Council business meeting, the Residential Drainage Advisory Committee, formed to tackle standing water concerns in Palm Coast neighborhoods, presented an innovative and collaborative solution to assist homeowners.
The committee, comprised of dedicated community volunteers, recommended that the City offer surplus dirt—collected from swale regrading and yard modifications—free of charge to residents. This dirt can be used by homeowners to improve drainage on their properties, a vital step in addressing standing water issues.
Program Details
- Surplus Dirt Availability: A maximum of 5 cubic yards of dirt will be available per household.
- Pickup Location: Dirt can be collected from the City’s dirt screening operation on North Old Kings Road.
- Pickup Schedule: Residents will be able to pick up dirt on specific dates and times, to be announced soon.
- Eligibility: Palm Coast residents can use the dirt to make improvements on their private properties.
It’s important to note that drainage fixes are not one-size-fits-all. Each property has unique needs, and some projects may require additional steps. If machinery is used to spread the dirt on the premises, homeowners will need to obtain a grading permit issued by the City of Palm Coast. The permit ensures compliance with local regulations and helps maintain proper drainage functionality.
In addition to the dirt donation program, local survey company owner Dan Wilcox donated his expertise to support this effort. Wilcox conducted 29 property surveys—valued at $1,500 each—free of charge. His generosity has provided critical data to help residents identify areas in need of improvement and develop tailored drainage solutions.
This partnership is a great example of our community coming together to address challenges,” said Lauren Johnston, Acting City Manager. “From the volunteers on the committee to the businesses like Stephenson, Wilcox & Associates, everyone is contributing to solutions that improve our city.”
The City of Palm Coast cannot use public funds for private benefit, making this resident-focused solution a win-win. By repurposing surplus dirt from existing City operations, the program supports drainage improvements while ensuring public resources are used responsibly.
The Residential Drainage Advisory Committee was formed in February 2024 to address concerns about standing water in neighborhoods across Palm Coast. The committee consists of volunteer residents dedicated to finding practical solutions to improve drainage and enhance the quality of life in the city.
