SWPPP inspection frequency in Texas (2026)
Every 14 days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch rain, or every 7 days.
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Key takeaways
- Pick one: 14 days plus within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch storm, or every 7 days rain or not.
- The rain trigger is 0.5 inch, not 0.25 inch.
- Write the inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection.
- No license or certificate is required to inspect. The inspector must know the permit, the site and the SWP3.
How often must I inspect a Texas construction site?
| Case | Rule |
|---|---|
| Standard | At least once every 14 calendar days and within 24 hours of the end of a storm of 0.5 inch or more |
| Alternative | At least once every 7 calendar days, rain or not |
| Stabilized areas | At least once a month in areas finally or temporarily stabilized |
| Frozen ground, runoff unlikely | Monthly until thaw. Write the start and end dates of the frozen period in the SWP3 |
| Arid, semi-arid or drought-stricken areas | Monthly and within 24 hours after a 0.5-inch storm. Record the rainfall and drought dates in the SWP3 |
| Switching schedules | At most once per calendar month, in the first 5 business days, with the reason written in the SWP3 |
The two main choices are not combined. It is 14 days plus rain, or 7 days. It is not 7 days and rain.
How do the rain rules work?
Several small storms that add up to 0.5 inch within 24 hours count as one storm.
If the 24-hour window falls entirely outside working hours, inspect by the end of the next business day.
A storm that drops 0.5 inch or more on its first day and keeps going needs two inspections. One is within 24 hours of the first day and one is within 24 hours of the last day.
When can I skip an inspection?
You may suspend an inspection for danger, such as high wind or lightning, or when you cannot get in, such as flooding or freezing.
Write down the date and time, the names of witnesses and a short narrative. Inspect as soon as access is practicable.
What must the inspector look at?
- Disturbed areas not finally stabilized, all stabilization measures and support areas
- Stormwater controls, places where stormwater flows, and discharge points
- Vehicle exits, for tracking; and the discharge itself, for color, odor, solids, foam or sheen
What goes in the report?
Complete the report within 24 hours of the inspection. It carries the date, the major observations, the actions taken with dates, and either noncompliance found or a certification of compliance.
Major observations are where erosion or sediment left the site, which controls need maintenance, which failed or are inadequate, and where more are needed.
The report is kept with the SWP3 and signed the way 30 TAC 305.128 requires.
How fast must I fix what I find?
| Problem | Deadline |
|---|---|
| A control needs repair | Before the next rain if feasible. If not, write why and schedule it as soon as practicable |
| A control is removed, disabled or run over | Replace it immediately on discovery |
| A control is failing | Replace or modify it as soon as practicable |
| Sediment escaped the site | Remove it before the next rain if feasible |
| The SWP3 needs a change | Revise it within 7 calendar days after the inspection |
FAQ
Who may do a SWPPP inspection in Texas?
Personnel who know the permit, the construction work at the site and the SWP3. They do not need signing authority. The permit asks for no license, certificate or course.
Is it 7 days or 14 days?
Either. Choose 14 days plus the 0.5-inch storm rule, or 7 days regardless of rain.
Can I change my schedule?
Yes, at most once per calendar month, in the first 5 business days of the month, with the reason in the SWP3.
Do some cities want more often?
Yes. Frisco's code asks for qualified inspection at least every 7 days. Check your city.
Facts and sources
- TCEQ permit TXR150000 (2023), Part III.F.8 inspections, III.F.6 maintenance
- Frisco Code Article IX, Sec. 34-334
- Permit text read Nov 13 2026.
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