What an alternative seawall is
Cape Coral's Engineering Design Standards include minimum standards for "alternatives to vertical bulkheads" on freshwater systems only. Instead of a concrete wall, the bank slopes down into the canal and is stabilized, for example with sod or other approved materials. Terracing with low retaining walls can be used to get the slope right. Saltwater canals still need conventional seawalls.
The design limits
- Slope: no steeper than 0.25 ft per ft (4:1) where the slope begins, and 3:1 at most at the property line.
- Length: at least 15 ft between the start of the slope and the property line.
- Water depth at the property line: 0–6 inches. Above the sill of the controlling weir, the slope must not extend past the property line.
- Stabilization: the slope must be stabilized with approved materials or methods for erosion control.
- Pipes: a culvert pipe can't extend more than 4 inches from the face of a seawall into the canal right of way.
- Plans: all plans must be sealed by a professional engineer registered in Florida.
The city's Public Works department will consider variations to these standards.
Next to an existing seawall
If a neighbor has a vertical seawall right next to your proposed slope:
- Your application must include plans signed and sealed by a Florida-registered engineer.
- The plans must show a retaining (wing) wall installed or extended at 90 degrees to the existing seawall and securely attached for erosion control.
- Placing fill in the canal to get around this isn't allowed.
Where there's no seawall next door
Without an adjacent seawall to show where the property line is, the contractor must have a Florida-licensed surveyor provide an as-built survey on site for the final inspection. It must show the elevation at the property line and the controlling weir sill elevation, and confirm the slope doesn't extend past the property line. Construction stakes must also be in place so the inspector can check it by eye. Without these, the slope won't pass final inspection.
When the rules changed
Cape Coral updated its residential and commercial alternative seawall guidelines for permit applications dated on or after January 1, 2022, adding the engineering and survey requirements above.
Is it right for your lot?
An alternative slope uses more of your yard (at least 15 ft) and only works on freshwater canals. It also has to match up with neighboring walls. Where it fits, it can avoid the cost of a full concrete wall. A licensed contractor and engineer can tell you whether your lot qualifies. For conventional walls, see seawall repair in Lee County and Cape Coral.
Source: City of Cape Coral, notice to industry on the revised seawall alternative guidelines, including Engineering Design Standard sheet H-3.
This page summarizes published rules and prices for general information. It isn't engineering or legal advice, and codes change. Your contractor, engineer and building department have the final word for your property.
Common questions
Can I use a sloped bank instead of a seawall in Cape Coral?
On freshwater canals, yes. Cape Coral's Engineering Design Standards allow alternatives to vertical bulkheads on freshwater systems only, built as a stabilized slope that meets the city's minimum standards and is shown on plans sealed by a Florida-registered professional engineer.
What slope does Cape Coral allow for an alternative seawall?
The city's notes give a maximum slope of 0.25 ft per ft (4:1) where the slope begins and 3:1 at the property line, with at least 15 ft between the start of the slope and the property line, and no more than 6 inches of water depth at the property line. Terracing with retaining walls may be used.
When did the alternative seawall rules change?
Cape Coral updated its residential and commercial alternative seawall guidelines for permit applications dated on or after January 1, 2022, adding requirements for engineered plans next to existing seawalls and a surveyor's as-built check where there is no adjacent seawall.