Pond and Stormwater Service in Central Florida
Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading in Orlando, FL
Increase detention storage, improve drainage hydraulics, and bring your dry basin into compliance — by Central Florida's licensed underground utility contractor with 65+ years of experience.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading Backed by 65+ Years of Local Experience
When a site grows — through new buildings, additional impervious surface, or intensified use — the existing detention pond often can't handle the increased runoff volume. An undersized dry detention basin can cause downstream flooding, fail regulatory inspections, and put your permits at risk.
Lapin Services handles detention pond expansion and regrading for commercial, industrial, HOA, and development sites across Orlando and Central Florida. We increase storage volume, regrade slopes for erosion control, improve inflow and outflow hydraulics, and manage all permit modifications — so your stormwater system meets current requirements and supports the next phase of your project.
Problems We Solve
Common Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading Problems We Fix
Here are the issues our team commonly finds and resolves during detention pond expansion & regrading calls across Central Florida.
Insufficient Storage for Additional Development
Adding buildings, parking areas, or other impervious surfaces increases peak runoff — often exceeding what the existing detention pond was designed to hold, triggering a required expansion.
Erosion Along Basin Slopes
Improperly graded side slopes erode over time, depositing sediment in the basin, reducing effective storage volume, and creating maintenance and compliance headaches.
Inadequate Inflow or Outflow Hydraulics
Undersized or poorly positioned inlet and outlet structures restrict flow, causing the basin to drain too slowly or flood before capacity is reached — undermining the system's designed performance.
Permit Modifications for Site Changes
Any expansion of impervious area or change in site drainage typically requires a permit modification documenting that the updated detention basin meets applicable SJRWMD or county standards.
Failed Stormwater Inspection
A detention basin that no longer meets permitted volume requirements or has degraded slopes and structures will fail a regulatory inspection, blocking project approvals and occupancy.
When to Call
Signs Your Pond Or Stormwater Asset Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule detention pond expansion & regrading before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive.
You're Adding Impervious Surface to the Site
New construction, parking lot expansions, or additional rooftop area increases runoff volume and often requires expanding the detention basin to maintain compliant storage capacity.
Slopes Are Eroding or Sloughing
Visible erosion on basin walls, rills in the side slopes, or sediment accumulating at the basin floor indicates regrading is needed to stabilize the embankment and restore design volume.
Standing Water Remains After Rain Events
A dry detention basin should drain within a regulated timeframe. Persistent standing water after storms suggests the outlet structure is undersized, obstructed, or the basin grade is incorrect.
You've Received a Compliance or NOV Notice
A Notice of Violation or compliance letter from the county or SJRWMD citing detention deficiencies requires documented corrective action — typically expansion, regrading, or hydraulic improvements.
Your Permit is Up for Renewal or Modification
ERP permit renewals and modifications often trigger a review of whether existing detention infrastructure still meets current volume and treatment requirements for the developed site area.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading Visit
Lapin keeps the process straightforward from the first call through final documentation, so you know what is happening at every step.
Step 1
Call or Schedule Online
Call Lapin Services or request service online — we're available 24/7 for urgent situations and project inquiries.
Step 2
On-Site Inspection and Diagnosis
We assess your existing basin, review permitted plans, evaluate current drainage conditions, and explain the expansion or regrading scope, permit modification needs, and costs before work begins.
Step 3
Honest Assessment and Recommendations
We prepare and submit permit modification applications to Orange County, SJRWMD, or applicable agencies — and coordinate with civil engineers and site owners as needed to get approvals in place.
Step 4
Service Completed
Our licensed crew excavates and expands the basin to the required storage volume, regrade slopes to engineered specifications, and upgrades inflow and outflow structures as necessary.
Step 5
Documentation and Follow-Up
We coordinate final inspections with the permitting agency, confirm the basin meets all modified permit conditions, and provide complete documentation of the finished work.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading
Lapin combines licensed expertise, local knowledge, and responsive service for pond services work throughout Central Florida.
65+ Years of Experience
Founded in 1958, Lapin has been Central Florida's trusted utility specialist for three generations — with the knowledge and credentials to back it up.
4.9★ Rating · 1,000+ Reviews
The best-rated utility contractor in Florida — not by our own measure, but by the property owners and businesses who've trusted us.
Licensed Underground Utilities Contractor
License CUC1223686. Fully certified for underground utility installation, repair, maintenance, and compliance.
End-to-End Service
One company for installation, repair, inspections, and compliance across all underground utility systems. No handoffs, no finger-pointing between subs.
Available 24/7
Utility emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock so you're never left waiting when it matters most.
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FAQs
Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading FAQs
What is the difference between a detention pond and a retention pond?
A detention pond (dry basin) temporarily holds stormwater runoff and drains completely between storm events. A retention pond (wet pond) maintains a permanent pool of water. Expansion and regrading work differs between the two because detention basins must drain to a defined elevation within a regulated time window.
Do I need a permit to expand or regrade a detention pond in Orlando?
Yes. Expanding a detention basin or modifying its outlet structure typically requires a permit modification from Orange County and an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) modification from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). Lapin manages the permitting process for you.
How much volume does a detention pond expansion add?
The required volume increase depends on the additional impervious area being added to the drainage basin and the applicable stormwater treatment and attenuation standards. A licensed engineer calculates the required storage volume, and Lapin excavates and grades to meet that specification.
Can you improve how fast the basin drains during the expansion?
Yes. Expansion projects often include upgrading or repositioning the outlet control structure to improve outflow hydraulics, reduce drain-down time, and ensure the basin empties within the regulatory window before the next storm event.
What causes detention pond slopes to erode?
Slopes erode when they are too steep, lack vegetative cover, or experience concentrated flow from improperly positioned inlets. Regrading flattens the slope to a stable angle and is typically combined with seeding or sod to stabilize the surface against future erosion.
How long does a detention pond expansion project take?
Timeline depends on the volume of earthwork required, site access, and permit approval speed. Small expansions may take a few days of field work once permits are in hand; larger projects involving significant excavation and structure upgrades can take one to several weeks.
Can you work with our civil engineer on the pond design?
Yes. Lapin coordinates directly with civil engineers, project managers, and developers to execute detention basin expansions according to permitted design documents — ensuring the finished pond matches what was approved.
Do you serve areas outside of Orlando?
Yes. We serve Orlando and the broader Central Florida region including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties.
Schedule Service
Schedule Detention Pond Expansion & Regrading Today
Call Lapin Services today or request service online — and get your detention pond expanded and regraded correctly by Central Florida's most trusted licensed utility contractor.