Austin SWPPP requirements (2026)
TCEQ's permit applies. A 2017 Austin proposal called for a PE- or CPESC-signed plan; confirm the rule.
Free. No account, no email.
Key takeaways
- A 2017 City of Austin notice said erosion and sedimentation controls are required for all construction and development, with or without a permit, including single-family and duplex work.
- The same notice said an erosion plan must be signed by a Texas engineer or a CPESC, and sealed by an engineer if it has engineering calculations.
- We could not read the current ECM, so treat both as "confirm with the city".
- Parts of Travis and Williamson counties are in the Edwards Aquifer program, where TCEQ must sign off first.
Austin's Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM) section 1.4.0 covers erosion and sedimentation control. We could only read a 2017 proposed-rule notice, so confirm the current text with the city.
What did we verify for Austin?
| Topic | What we read |
|---|---|
| Scope | Controls "are required for all construction and development, conducted with or without a permit, including ... single-family, and duplex construction" (2017 proposed-rule notice) |
| Signature | "All ESCPs shall be signed by a Licensed Professional Engineer (TX) or a [CPESC]" (2017 proposed-rule notice; CPESC is an erosion and sediment control credential) |
| Manual | Environmental Criteria Manual, section 1.4.0 "Erosion and Sedimentation Control Criteria" |
What should I check with the city?
- Whether the 2017 signature rule is the current rule. Check with the city.
- Fees, fines and stop-work powers: not found. Check with the city.
- A copy rule to the city: not found as a copy rule. Check with the city.
FAQ
Does Austin require an engineer to sign my erosion plan?
A 2017 proposed-rule notice said a Texas engineer or a CPESC must sign it. We could not confirm the current rule. Check with the city.
Is my Austin lot in the Edwards Aquifer program?
Only parts of Travis and Williamson counties are. Use TCEQ's Edwards Aquifer map viewer. See what we do not cover.
Facts and sources
- City of Austin proposed rule R161-17.12 notice, April 5, 2017
- TCEQ Edwards Aquifer protection program
- Read Nov 13 2026. The current ECM could not be opened.
Last updated: