Final stabilization at 70% in Texas (2026)
Final stabilization means perennial cover at 70% of native vegetation, or permanent measures like riprap.
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Key takeaways
- Final stabilization: all soil disturbance is done and unpaved areas have even perennial cover at 70% of the native background density, or an equal permanent measure.
- Temporary stabilization has no percent cover in the permit. It is a protective cover or structural control.
- Start stabilizing by the end of the next work day after work stops, and finish within 14 days.
- A small site cannot take down its notice until it reaches final stabilization.
What is the difference between temporary and final stabilization?
| Temporary | Final | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Exposed soil gets a protective cover or structural control that prevents pollutants from moving, such as seeding, geotextiles or mulches | All soil disturbance is done, and unpaved areas have uniform perennial vegetation at 70% of the native background density, or equal permanent measures such as riprap or gabions |
| Percent cover | The permit gives none | At least 70% of native background cover |
What are the deadlines?
When work stops permanently, or stops temporarily for more than 14 calendar days, start stabilizing as soon as practicable, no later than the end of the next work day.
Finish stabilizing within 14 calendar days of starting.
The permit allows exceptions to these deadlines for frozen ground, arid or drought-stricken areas, places where even non-vegetative cover is infeasible (use temporary perimeter controls and write down why) and circumstances beyond your control.
The 14-day trigger applies once it is known with reasonable certainty that work will stop for 14 or more days.
Are there special cases?
- Residential lots: the homebuilder finishes final stabilization, or sets temporary stabilization before the home transfers and tells the buyer why final stabilization is needed.
- Agricultural land: return it to its prior use.
- Arid, semi-arid or drought-stricken areas: temporary erosion controls with a seed base, built to last at least 3 years without upkeep and to reach 70% of native cover within 3 years.
What happens after final stabilization?
A small site removes its notice and sends a copy to the storm sewer operator within 30 days. A large site files a Notice of Termination online within 30 days.
See small-site closeout.
FAQ
What does 70% mean?
Uniform perennial vegetation with a density of at least 70% of the native background cover on unpaved areas.
Does temporary stabilization count to close a site?
No. A small site must reach final stabilization before it removes its notice.
Who has to stabilize a lot sold to a buyer?
The homebuilder finishes it, or sets temporary stabilization before the transfer and tells the buyer why final stabilization is needed.
Facts and sources
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