Texas stormwater guides
Plain answers on Texas construction stormwater rules, each tied to the permit text.
Free. No account, no email.
Key takeaways
- Each guide states its rule, the permit part it comes from and the date it was checked.
- City guides state as fact only what we read in the city's own text. Anything from another source is labeled, with "check with the city".
- The permit is TXR150000, issued in 2023 and valid to March 5, 2028.
Guides
- Do I need a SWPPP in Texas?The 1-acre rule, disturbed ground versus lot size, and what to do next.
- How much does a SWPPP cost in Texas?Free template, published online prices, state fees. Vendor prices labeled.
- How often must I inspect a Texas site?14 days plus the 0.5-inch rain rule, or every 7 days. Monthly cases, reports.
- Small-site closeout: no NOTRemove the notice, send the copy within 30 days. When a NOT is for large sites only.
- Large-site NOI in STEERSWho files, the $225 fee, deadlines, and TCEQ's Sept 2026 review change.
- Primary vs secondary operatorWho files what on a site, and what a builder in a subdivision is.
- Low-erosion counties and dates (107)The 107 Appendix A counties, their date windows, and the Form 20964 rules.
- Concrete washout rulesWhat Part VI of the permit says, and what goes on your site map.
- Silt fence requirementsWhere the permit requires it, upkeep rules, and what cities add.
- Final stabilization at 70%What 70% cover means, temporary vs final, and the 14-day deadlines.
- Real TCEQ penaltiesFour real orders ($10,875 to $13,041 assessed) and the legal maximums, with case numbers.
- Who can write a SWPPP?No engineer required by the permit; who signs; where cities and engineering law add rules.
- SWPPP certification: what is required?The permit requires none. What "knowledgeable" means and where certificates come from.
- Construction site notice: posting rulesWhich TCEQ form, where to post it, the 2-day copy to the storm sewer operator, removal.
- Dewatering rulesControls, the daily observation, and the 24-hour report.
- TCEQ's RG-639 template explainedWhat the free 72-page template has in it, and what you still do yourself.
- One-page SWPPP checklistTen steps from the permit, in order, with the permit part for each.
- Choosing SWPPP inspection softwareWhat any app or paper form must handle under the Texas permit.
Cities
- ArlingtonState permit applies; city specifics to check with Arlington.
- AustinErosion controls on all construction; a 2017 proposal for a PE or CPESC signature; Edwards zones.
- Corpus ChristiA plan for lots from 1/4 to under 1 acre, copies at 1 acre or more.
- DallasA SWPPP copy to the city director, permits the city may deny, and what to check.
- Fort WorthState permit applies; city specifics to check with Fort Worth.
- FriscoWeekly inspections, permits that can be denied, duty on all sites.
- HoustonCopy to the city 2 days before digging, inspections, Harris County.
- San AntonioEdwards Aquifer zones, and a rule on engineer-signed plans we could not confirm.
Facts and sources
Last updated: